What are the emotional experiences of being a volunteer in palliative and end-of-life care settings? : a systematic review and thematic synthesis

Coleman, Helena and Walshe, Catherine (2021) What are the emotional experiences of being a volunteer in palliative and end-of-life care settings? : a systematic review and thematic synthesis. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 62 (3). pp. 232-247. ISSN 0885-3924

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Abstract

Context Previous research has focused on the risks of stress, burnout and the impact on general emotional well-being in paid palliative care staff, however volunteers in patient-facing roles are exposed to similar stressors. Volunteers increasingly provide emotional support to patients and families but receive little formal support for themselves. It is important to understand volunteers’ emotional experiences of their role to identify strategies that could be implemented to support them effectively. Objectives To synthesize qualitative data on the emotional experiences of being a volunteer in palliative and end-of-life care settings, including how people cope with this role and how they can be best supported. Methods A systematic review with thematic synthesis design, with an iterative three-stage synthesis, including line-by-line coding, organizing this into descriptive themes and then developing analytical themes. Four databases (PsycInfo, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) were searched in November 2019. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used to evaluate included papers. Results From the 22 included studies, four themes were developed: 1) intrinsic challenges (e.g., conflicting feelings); 2) extrinsic challenges (e.g., resources and expectations); 3) personal gain (e.g., learning and self-growth); and 4) developing relationships (e.g., appropriate boundaries). Challenges included personal feelings related to their role for example uncertainty, not being ‘good enough’ and feeling drained as well as frustrations within the palliative care system. Conclusion Volunteers face unique challenges but also positive impacts that can affect their emotional well-being. It is important to monitor how volunteers are coping and provide appropriate support.