How trained volunteers can improve the quality of hospital care for older patients. A qualitative evaluation within the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Bas Steunenberg ; PhD^a ; ^{Bas.Steunenberg@hu.nl} ; Roos van der Mast ; MD ; PhD^b ; ^c ; Marije J. Strijbos ; MSc ; RN^d ; Sharon K. Inouye ; MD ; MPH^e ; Marieke J. Schuurmans ; PhD ; RN^a ; ^d
• 关键词：HELP ; Trained volunteers ; Quality of hospital care ; Older adults
• 刊名：Geriatric Nursing
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：November-December 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：37
• 期：6
• 页码：458-463
• 全文大小：319 K
• 卷排序：37

文摘

The aim of this study was to investigate, using a mixed-methods design, the added value of a trained Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) volunteer to the quality of hospital care in the Netherlands. The trained volunteers daily stimulate older patients, at risk of a delirium, to eat, to drink, and to exercise, and they provide walking assistance and cognitive stimulation. This study showed that each group appreciated the extra attention and service from the volunteers. The positive effect on feelings of loneliness during the hospital stay was an unexpected outcome. The volunteers themselves appreciated their work. In conclusion, a HELP volunteer should be provided to every older hospital patient.