The modern context of palliative care

Payne, Sheila Alison and Morris, Sara Margaret (2018) The modern context of palliative care. In: The Changing Face of Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care : An International Perspective. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 15-27. ISBN 9780198788270

Abstract

Evidence suggests that in the past support services for patients and family carers of terminally ill people have often been unavailable or inadequate in addressing their needs. This chapter will briefly summarize the context of hospice and palliative care services. The chapter argues that definitions of palliative care are culturally and temporally dependent, exemplified by the changing terminology used in the United Kingdom. One of the challenges facing service deliverers is the necessity to work collaboratively across health and social care services, and statutory and voluntary sector organizational boundaries. The funding and organizational positioning of hospice and palliative care services are often contingent upon health care systems and resources. All roles require careful recruitment, dedicated training, and consistent support to provide effective contributions from volunteers. The chapter ends by providing a short description of three studies investigating the role of volunteers undertaken in the United Kingdom.