1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The purpose of this article is to present results of a study that explores volunteers’ perspectives on their role and practices in this complex setting. The study aimed to understand and describe volunteer practices within the palliative care system in Canada through analysis of volunteers’ discourse about their involvement.» (p. 736)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The total sample consisted of 64 respondents (51 women, 13 men).» (p. 737) «The study took place in three provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, and Québec.» (p. 737)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Volunteers traditionally play an essential role in palliative care. Without them, many community and institutional programs would not survive. Despite the significant number of volunteers involved in palliative care, the nature and scope of their actions remain ambiguous. The blurred boundaries of their contribution create tensions between professionals, families, and volunteers with regards to patient care and sharing of responsibilities. [...] The conceptual framework not only allows for a description of volunteer practices but also for an understanding of those practices in terms of the meaning volunteers ascribe to their actions and interactions. The information gathered provides better understanding of the place of volunteers within the palliative care system, thereby allowing communities to optimize their contribution to the palliative care mission.» (p. 737)
Dans cet article, il est question de la contribution de ces bénévoles auprès des familles et des patients. L’intervention de ces bénévoles comporte plusieurs avantages tels que faciliter la communication au sein des familles et élimiter certains conflits. Ces bénévoles offrent aussi un support moral aux familles et aux patients pour apprendre à mieux vivre avec la maladie, la perte d’autonomie et la mort d’un membre de la famille. De plus, leur présence permet aux aidants naturels de trouver du répit.