Background. 

 

Public health approaches to palliative care have long promoted the contribution of formal and informal volunteering to providing effective end-of-life care in neighbourhoods and communities. A central strategy for this is a ‘compassionate communities’ approach that focuses on building care networks and developing community members’ capacities in end-of-life care. There is anecdotal evidence of differences in the motivations and life experiences of traditional palliative care volunteers and volunteers in compassionate community programs. There is however very little research into volunteers seeking a compassionate communities orientated role. This paper is part of a larger body of research by The South West Compassionate Communities Network (SWCCN) in Western Australia (WA) and the WA Country Health Service, designed to take an evidenced-based approach.  

 

 

Aim (or goal of work), 

This presentation will describe the qualities, skills and experiences of volunteers of potential compassionate communities connectors and outline the contrasting aspects between connector models and traditional palliative care volunteer models.

 

Methods (including design, method or approach taken, setting, data collection and analysis /evaluation approach as applicable), 

 

This qualitative investigation of responses to a questionnaire (EOI) using content analysis. Twenty people (16 female, 4 male) from the South West region of WA submitted an EOI to train as a Community Connector with the SWCCN. There were eleven questions in the EOI which elicited categorical and qualitative data. Following an initial review of the data, the categorical data were collated and tallied. Qualitative questions were analysed using content analysis, and themes were identified and coded.

 

Results/conclusions

 

Analysis indicated that the compassionate community connector role attracted experienced community volunteers who were already familiar with community services and end-of-life supports in their community, demonstrating a pre-existing understanding of the practical and emotional support families may need for end-of-life care. This presentation will discuss the distinct qualities of the Community Connector role, arguing that clarifying these characteristics will benefit new compassionate community initiatives and promote collaboration.