Objectives: This study examined the stresses associated with hospice volunteering, ways of coping and perception of available support. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted comprising 17 volunteers. The data obtained were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Reported stressors included losing patients and dealing with disfigurement. However, informants generally reported the work as satisfying and generally stress free. Coping strategies ranged from keeping a distance from clients, religious faith, to the realization that death was a merciful end and was not necessarily painful. Informants generally perceived support to be adequate. Conclusions: The implications of these findings for training volunteers are discussed, especially the need to educate volunteers about the symptoms and signs of cancer.
Cummings I.The interdisciplinary team. In Doyle D , Hanks G , MacDonald N eds. Oxford textbook of palliative medicine, second edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press , 1998.
2.
Alexandra F.Valuing the volunteers. The Times, London. 16 June 2003.
3.
Mitchell C , Shuff I.Personality characteristics of hospice volunteers as measured by the Myers Briggs Type indicator . J Pers Assess1995; 65: 521–532 .
4.
Hoad P.Volunteers in the independent hospice movement . Sociol Health Illn1991; 13: 231–248 .
5.
Almond L.Who cares?Community care in action: a study of one hospice's volunteers. University of Bath, MSc in Social Policy Analysis , 1990.
6.
Field D , Johnson I.Satisfaction and change: a survey of volunteers in a hospice organisation. Occasional Paper No 8, Sheffield: Trent Palliative Care Centre , 1993.
7.
Field D , Johnson I.Volunteers in the British hospice movement. In Clark D ed. The sociology of death. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers , 1993.
8.
Health and Safety Executive. Retrieved 13 June, 2003, from: www.hse.gov.uk/stress/index
9.
Krikorian DA , Moser DH.Satisfactions and stresses experienced by professional nurses in hospice programs . Am J Hosp Palliat Care1985; 2: 25–33 .
10.
Wilkinson SM.The changing pressures for oncology nurses 1986–93 . Eur J Cancer Care1995; 4: 66–66 .
11.
Lyall A , Vachon M , Rogers J.A study of the degree of stress experienced by the professionals caring for dying patients. In Anjemian I , Mount BM eds. The RVH manual on palliative/hospice care. New York, NY: ARNO Press , 1980: 498–508.
12.
Vachon MLS . Occupational stress in the care of the critically ill, the dying and the bereaved. New York, NY: Hemisphere Press , 1987.
13.
Graham J , Ramirez AJ , Cull A , Finlay A.Job stress and satisfaction among palliative physicians . Palliat Med1996; 10: 185–194 .
14.
Vachon MLS . Staff stress in hospice/palliative care: a review . Palliat Med1995; 9: 91–112 .
15.
Doyle D.Volunteers in hospice and palliative care: a handbook for service managers. Oxford: Oxford University Press , 2002.
16.
Wilkinson S.Focus groups in health research . J Health Psychol1998; 3: 323–342 .
17.
Addington Hall J , Karlsen S.Summary of a national survey of health professionals and volunteers working in voluntary hospices. London: Help the Hospices , 2001.
18.
Pargament K , Brant C.Religion and coping. In Koenig H , McCullough M , Larson D eds. Handbook of religion and health. New York, NY: Academic Press , 1998.
19.
Gotay C , Crockett S , West C.Palliative home care nursing nurses' perceptions of roles and stress . Ment Health1985; 33: 6–9 .
20.
French JR , Rodgers W , Cobb S.Adjustment as person environment fit. In Coelho G , Hamburg D , Adams E eds. Coping and adaptation. New York, NY: Basic Books , 1974.
