Transforming the experience of cancer care: a qualitative study of a hospital-based volunteer psychosocial support service

As volunteer support services for cancer patients evolve and seek to gain credibility and acceptance, it is important that these services be carefully evaluated. This paper describes findings from a research study conducted by the Healing Beyond the Body (HBB) program, a hospital-based volunteer psychosocial support service in a comprehensive cancer center in Toronto, Canada. The goal of this study was to gain insight into the experience of patients who have interacted with HBB volunteers and to evaluate the benefits and risks of this program for these patients.

A qualitative research method, based on semi-structured interviews with 15 patients recruited in the Chemotherapy Daycare Unit, was used. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Findings suggest that volunteers can effectively serve an enhanced supportive role in a hospital setting without adverse effects, and that their services are positively received by patients. The following themes were identified in relation to perceived benefits of the HBB volunteer support service: (1) a sense of humanization and normalization; (2) a sense of security; (3) support for non-medical needs; and (4) support for unaccompanied patients. While no negative experiences with the HBB volunteers were reported, the following themes were identified in relation to potential weaknesses of the HBB volunteer service: (1) a limited awareness by patients of the HBB volunteers’ roles and responsibilities; and (2) the lack of a structured role definition for the HBB volunteers at the pre-treatment phase.

Our findings add to the literature on the contribution of volunteer support services and may serve decision-makers concerned with best practices in utilizing volunteer resources within a cancer hospital structure.