Volunteerism in Acute Hospital Wards
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of the Role of Volunteers Supporting Patients with Dementia or Memory Problems in Acute Hospital Wards: A Qualitative Study.
IRAS ID
214692
Contact name
Kristian Pollock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Dementia is an incurable long term condition which affects memory, mobility, communication and continence. The numbers of people with dementia are increasing worldwide. People with dementia admitted to hospital with acute conditions require extra support because of problems associated with this disease. Concerns have been raised over the quality of care for people with dementia in hospitals; crowded and noisy hospital wards are unfamiliar environments which often lack privacy, and focus on prioritising physical needs over psychological needs. Acute medical needs and pressures on services are a priority over the psycho-social needs of older people with dementia. Staff are busy treating the immediate acute problem and carers can be overburdened with the workload of long term caring responsibilities, or may have other commitments, to offer support in hospital.
Volunteers are a possible solution to providing support, conversation, and occupation to older people in hospital. They are becoming more widely used in hospitals to provide extra support to patients, particularly at mealtimes, and for patients with dementia. However, there is a lack of evidence describing the experiences of volunteers working with people with dementia in acute hospital wards. It is important to investigate this topic because of the increasing numbers of people with dementia, the increasing numbers of volunteers, and the emerging role of volunteers supporting people with dementia in acute hospital settings. This qualitative research proposes to explore the perspectives and experiences of volunteerism in dementia and acute hospitals from a variety of perspectives. Findings will provide evidence to inform local and national policy.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0498
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion