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First national nursing survey exploring nurses’ perceptions of volunteer support in health care settings

Sep 06, 2021

In an Australian first, nurses across the nation are being surveyed to gather their opinions on volunteer support in health care.

The Nurses’ perceptions of volunteers in health care settings online survey started at Hollywood Private Hospital in August and will run until November 30.

The survey results will help researchers investigate ways volunteer contributions can be optimised and will help inform volunteer programs in health care services and volunteer agencies throughout the country.

The study is being conducted by researchers from Hollywood Private Hospital and Edith Cowan University - School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, researcher Dr Rosemary Saunders is leading the study.

“Volunteers work alongside nurses in supporting patients, residents and clients in varied health care settings,” Dr Saunders said.

“The success of volunteer services relies on health care staff’s acceptance and engagement with volunteers as a way of embracing their valuable input into care.”

Dr Saunders said although research on volunteering in healthcare has been undertaken extensively, very little if any research has been undertaken to explore the perceptions of nurses about volunteer support and how their contributions can add value to patient/resident care.

“Understanding staff perceptions of volunteers will aid in maximising the contributions of volunteers in health care services,” Dr Saunders said.

Hollywood Private Hospital Director of Clinical Services Karen Gullick said volunteer support has increased in recent years and contributes to the patient’s experience of health and aged care services.

Registered and enrolled nurses who are currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia can participate in the survey. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. At the end of the survey nurses will have the option of entering a prize draw to win one of 10 x $50 Coles vouchers.

If you would like to participate go to: ecuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXWx69vSOUN6Z2S

The research has been approved by Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee approval number 2021-02219-SAUNDERS

For more information contact: Dr Rosemary Saunders, School of Nursing & Midwifery Edith Cowan University - Rosemary.Saunders@ecu.edu.au

Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, researcher Dr Rosemary Saunders and Hollywood Private Hospital Director of Clinical Services Karen Gullick.