• Elaine Wittenberg-Lyles, Greg Schneider, and Debra Parker Oliver.
• Department of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203-5268, USA. lyles@unt.edu
• J Palliat Med. 2010 Mar 1;13(3):261-5.

BackgroundAlthough the role of volunteers is at the heart of hospice care, little is known about hospice volunteer training and volunteer activity.MethodA survey was used to assess current training programs for hospice volunteers. Hospices were invited to participate in the study from a link on the website for the Hospice Volunteer Association and Hospice Educators Affirming Life Project.ResultsSurvey results revealed that the majority of volunteer work is in patient care, with most hospice agencies requiring a minimum 12-month volunteer commitment and an average 4-hour volunteer shift per week. Volunteer training is separate from staff training, is provided by paid agency staff, and costs approximately $14,303 per year.ConclusionsCommunication and family support are considered important curriculum topics. Revisions to current volunteer training curriculum and format are suggested.

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