1. 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

2. 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

3. 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,

4. 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

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

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

7. 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”

8. 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

9. TRAININGS
Pre- Trainings
Refresher Worskshops
Mentorship
Certificates

10. 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.”

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

12. 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.”

13. 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”.

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

15. 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.

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