ENGAGING LOCAL CITIZENS AS VOLUNTEERS FOR PATIENT CARE IN HOSPITALS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Ensuring the welfare of all and community engagement are critical components of healthcare development. The welfare of all implies that healthcare projects must consider the needs and concerns of all members of the community. One important and creative way of community engagement is through involving the citizens from the local community as volunteers in hospitals which forms the foundation of this research paper.

This case study aims to examine the different types of engagements of the volunteers from the community with patients in hospitals and its impact. It is a qualitative study that focuses on the ways in which members of the community can be involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare services in their local hospitals. The study was carried out at 3 tertiary care hospitals in Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra over a period of six months from September 2022 – February 2023. It presents the impact of the volunteers on the hospital, patients, and the community. This study also includes recommendations for further research or improvements.

Citizens who volunteered to serve at the 3 hospitals were enrolled and given adequate training across different aspects of patient care such as providing companionship and social support to patients, assisting with non-clinical tasks such as reading to patients, escorting patients to appointments and procedures; providing emotional support; and helping with administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing paperwork, and data entry. This included providing educational support to patients and families, especially regarding chronic disease management and end-of-life care. In addition to this, they also contributed by sharing their own experiences and knowledge of illnesses and treatment for providing perspective and comfort to patients and their families.

The study used qualitative data collection methods. The qualitative data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with volunteers, patients and healthcare administrators.

In addition, the study explored the barriers and enablers to community participation of the volunteers in healthcare, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of involving them in the decision-making process. The findings of this case study will be used to inform the development of community participation programs in hospitals and to improve patient care by addressing the needs and concerns of the stakeholders.