Bridging Care and Development: A Novel Volunteer Framework for Pediatric Palliative Support

Terminally ill children (TIC) in pediatric palliative care environments frequently experience psychological deprivation due to significant isolation, hindering their self-discovery and identity formation processes. The Young Pioneer Voluntary Teams (YPVTs) initiative in China serves to address these challenges by fostering meaningful connections between volunteers and TIC. However, the lack of a standardized approach in weaving youth volunteerism seamlessly into pediatric palliative care highlights potential risks for negative impacts on the emotional and psychological development of TIC. This study introduces an innovative framework aimed at standardizing the training and deployment of YPVTs, prioritizing psychological resilience, respectful attitudes, and enthusiasm, which are pivotal for fostering quality interactions with TIC.
This structured framework is comprehensive, including a selection phase that incorporates a questionnaire to gather preliminary information, alongside the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Motivation of Volunteers Scale (MOVS), culminating in a scenario-based interview designed to assess the authenticity and situational adaptability of the volunteers. A training program follows, embedding lectures, workshops, and practical exercises that emphasize the critical attributes of resilience, respect, and enthusiasm. Continuous feedback collection from YPVTs, analyzed with insights from child psychologists, is instrumental in refining the program and addressing operational flaws.

The effectiveness of this framework is rigorously evaluated using post-intervention reassessments with the Identity Scale for Adolescents for TIC, and GSES and MOVS for volunteers, to measure the program's impact on both groups' well-being and identity development. Originating from detailed observations at a leading pediatric palliative care center in Nanjing, China, and an extensive literature review, this framework signifies an advancement towards integrating person-centered care within healthcare settings, aiming to elevate the quality of life for TIC and enrich the volunteering experience. By advocating for a systematic integration of youth volunteerism in pediatric palliative care, this approach underscores the need for a holistic care model that addresses the psychological and social needs of TIC, promoting a more supportive and empathetic care environment.