Abstract
Background
The ageing population has led to growing numbers of older adults in hospital. Given
the increased care needs of older adult patients, hospitals are facing resource challenges
to ensure patient safety and quality of care. Support from trained volunteers focussed
on older adults needs, such as eating, drinking, ambulation and cognitive stimulation
have been found to improve patient outcomes.
Aim
This discussion paper describes a novel nurse-led model of volunteer support providing
individualised supportive care for hospitalised older adults.
Methods
Discussion paper.
Findings
Nurses’ clinical expertise, 24-hour care and leadership skills makes them ideally
placed to guide support provided by volunteers to ensure patient safety and improve
quality of care. This nurse-led approach to volunteer support is underpinned by an
innovative volunteer support care plan. The care plan was devised based on existing
literature, and in consultation with nurses, allied health professionals, consumer
representatives and volunteer managers. In practice, the plan is completed for each
patient by a nurse in consultation with the patient and family following admission
assessments. Trained volunteers then provide support to the patient following the
care plan.
Discussion
The benefits, barriers and enablers of a nurse-led volunteer support program are considered
in the context of organisational and professional requirements.
Conclusion
A nurse-led model of volunteer support capitalises on the clinical expertise of nurses
to optimise the contribution of volunteers, positively impacting on patient outcomes,
satisfaction and quality of care, with potential additional benefits to staff, volunteers
and hospitals.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 15, 2022
Accepted:
August 10,
2022
Received in revised form:
July 27,
2022
Received:
May 19,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
