A Study Exploring Risk Management Issues Among Volunteers in an Oncology Support Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Risk management and challenges of volunteer roles in an oncology support program in Montreal, Canada, were explored using a phenomenological approach involving 65 service volunteers. Fourteen focus groups were held representing oncology services in the hospital and the wellness center. Self-reported questions were administered to assess the risks perceived by the volunteers. Findings revealed 4 major themes: comfort level, daily frustrations, risk and environmental issues, and suggestions. Suggestions included: better communication with staff, a safer health-related environment, and improved role-specific training to mitigate the risks. Additionally, for each group, 1 specific change was implemented during a 6-month period. Health care professionals should focus on job-training issues to address safety, comfort level, and role capacity. Future research should investigate an enhanced training curriculum with strategies to address concerns about risk management. Volunteers who are better equipped to perform their roles will be able to offer a higher quality of service to patients and families.

KEYWORDS:

• Risk management
• oncology
• volunteers
• cancer support program

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to acknowledge the significant contributions on an earlier version of this project by Dr. Lucy Fazio, past president of Hope & Cope, and Ms. Suzanne O’Brien, executive director of Hope & Cope at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.