VOLUNTEERS IN THE JAPANESE HOSPICE: CURRENT CONCERNS AND FUTURE MODEL (PALLIATIVE CARE).
Contributors: Colorado State University.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 263
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Industrial.; Sociology, Industrial and Labor Relations.
Description: This phenomenological study had a two-fold purpose: (a) to identify volunteer-related problems faced by both volunteers and paid-staff through an in-depth single site inquiry at a Palliative Care Unit in Rokko Hospital, and (b) to make recommendations to enhance volunteer work at this hospice, which focus will be limited to the Human Resources issues of; volunteer recruitment, selection, training, and role function and definition; and the interrelationship between volunteers and paid staff.

The data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews (nine volunteers and ten paid staff), and both a volunteer focus group and a combination focus group. Additionally, two non-volunteer focus groups were conducted outside of Rokko Hospital Palliative Care Unit to determine their attitudes toward volunteer work and terminal care.

The findings suggested that most volunteers and staff at Rokko Hospital Palliative Care Unit had a high regard for the work the volunteer performed. But at the same time, some participants expressed the volunteer-related concerns: recruitment and selection, training, role identification, communication, leadership, and low moral. Also, the staff expressed concerns regarding the interrelationship among the hospice staff and the hospice staff to the staff in other wards at Rokko Hospital.

Additionally, the findings from the non-volunteer focus group suggested the following: (a) most of them perceived the volunteer work as "Hoshi" (Service) and they were pleased with the current volunteer movement, and (b) almost all participants chose their "own home" as the place of their death.

Recommendations regarding the hospice volunteer issues were discussed based on suggestions which were given during the volunteer focus group and the combination focus group.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-10, Section: B, page: 6178.

Thesis (PH.D.)--COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, 1996.

School code: 0053.