Hospice Volunteers’ Spiritual Care Training: Development and Evaluation of a Training Program

AIM: A Germany-wide survey confirmed that there is a need for a spiritual care curriculum to offer assistance in arranging the spiritual care training for hospice volunteers. This article defines the course aims and themes central in teaching spirituality to hospice volunteers. METHODS: An expert group interview was designed to define the core competencies and course aims. The thematic content analysis was applied to extract themes from the transcript and paraphrased into codes, which were grouped into thematically coherent categories. RESULTS: Spiritual care training for volunteers should cover the following themes and practical assignments: (1) definition of central concepts of spirituality and spiritual care; (2) meaning of belief systems; (3) spiritual needs and resources; (4) personal manner and ability to relate meaningfully; (5) referral to appropriate pastoral care / chaplains / spiritual advisors; (6) rituals and creativity in spiritual care; (7) voicing and acknowledging own spirituality; (8) facing and initiating spiritual encounters. Course aims were identified concerning knowledge, skills, and attitude. CONCLUSION: The findings frame the development of a spiritual care curriculum for hospice volunteers.