Understanding the Role and Deployment of Volunteers Within Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services as They Have Adjusted to the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Multi-National EAPC Survey

ABSTRACT

Background/aims: Data from early in the COVID-19 pandemic indicated a major decline in palliative care volunteer numbers and their support to service provision. This may impact on the quality and safety of palliative care service provision. The aim is to identify and understand the roles and deployment of volunteers in hospice and specialist palliative care services in the ongoing response to COVID-19. Methods: Multi-national cross-sectional survey of hospices and providers of specialist palliative care services, using a convenience sample. A 68-item online questionnaire, aimed at people responsible for volunteer deployment, was disseminated via social media, palliative care networks and key collaborators from May to July 2021. Questions captured volunteer deployment pre-COVID-19, through the pandemic and future plans. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to compare results. Free text comments were analysed using content analysis techniques. Results: Valid responses were received from 304 organisations (35 countries, 80.3% Europe). Most cared for adults only (60.9%), provided inpatient care (62.2%) and were non-profit (62.5%). 47.0% had cared for people with COVID-19. Volunteers tended to be younger than pre-pandemic. 47.7% changed the way they deployed volunteers;the mean number of active volunteers dropped from 203 per organisation to 33, and 70.7% reported a decrease in volunteers in direct patient/family facing roles. 50.6% said this drop impacted their organisation and care provision, increasing staff workload and pressure, decreasing patient support, and increasing patient isolation and loneliness. Conclusions: The sustained reduction in volunteer deployment due to COVID-19 has impacted the provision of safe, effective palliative care. Urgent consideration must be given to the future of volunteering including virtual modes of delivery, micro-volunteering, and appealing to a younger demographic.