Exploring the factors that motivate Palliative Care Volunteers and their experiences as they carry out this role Ivan O. Onapito, Volunteer and Social Care Coordinator, Makerere Palliative Care Unit. Other Contributors Grace Kivumbi, Toko Friday and Dr. Mhoira Leng

Authors: Onapito I1, Nalutaaya F1, Batuli M1, Authors: Onapito I1, Nalutaaya F1, Batuli M1, Namukwaya E1, Leng M1,2,3 Makerere Palliative Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala 2. University of Edinburgh 3. Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, UK

Background With the rising incidence of NCDs, there is an increasing need for good palliative care services. .Holistic care involves the community even when delivered within the hospital setting, because hospitals become communities of care for short or long term stay. MPCU developed a volunteer network model to provide practical, social and spiritual support to patients and families. Psychological, spiritual and social needs,

Development of Volunteer Model Guidelines for recruitment and operational activities were developed. Volunteers recruited and underwent initial and continuous training. Regular internal and external support and mentorship is provided

Aim To explore that factors that motivate palliative care volunteers, and their experiences in the role

Methodology Qualitative Study Semi-Structured Interviews Volunteers with the Palliative Care Unit

Results Team Work Volunteers felt motivated by good teamwork and appreciation from the members of staff “one thing that has kept me in this role for long is the good team work I enjoy with my colleagues, but also our work is appreciated by the health workers”

TEAM WORK “This work we are doing is sometimes difficult because we are dealing with very distressed patients and families, so when we are appreciated by our superiors it keeps us going” Volunteer

TRAININGS Pre- Trainings Refresher Worskshops Mentorship Certificates

TRAININGS Volunteer 4 “The trainings I have had have helped me to handle patients. I have come to understand some medical terms may be for drugs and when the family asks you questions, they are confident that you can help them.” Volunteer 10 “Yah whatever training we have been doing we have been getting certificates, being involved so much in patient care I was inspired and decided to do a course in social work and social administration to enhance my knowledge.”

COMPASSIONATE CONTRIBUTION Some of the volunteers reported seeing it as an opportunity to make a humanitarian contribution to the community.

COMPASSIONATE/HUMANITARIAN Volunteer 2 “I feel it’s a ministry leading out a helping hand to somebody, it makes me feel good when I see a smile on their faces.” Volunteer 7 “It is really living in a community, when one is in pain you don’t feel good so you would love to see that everyone is smiling.”

CAREER ADVANCEMENT Volunteer 11 “The knowledge I have acquired has helped me to organize community sensitizations. We now conduct medical out-reaches in areas that are hard to reach. I am coming up with a big community program”.

CHALLENGES High Expectations from patients and families. A multiplicity of problems Lack of finances Language barrier

Conclusion Health workers should maintain good relationships with the volunteers and appreciate them. It keeps them motivated .Start some income generating activities to sustain their role Continuous refresher and trainings, plus on going mentorship is very important in keeping them motivated.

Thank you Makerere Palliative Care Unit Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust University of Edinburgh