Perceived Barriers and Enablers to Referrals to Community-Based Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Programs in Canada

Two separate studies were conducted to identify perceived barriers and enablers to referrals to community-based hospice palliative care volunteer programs in 2 Atlantic Canadian provinces. In study 1, a physician, home support nurse manager, social worker, and volunteer coordinator (VC) were interviewed. More barriers than enablers were identified. Based on these results and a review of the literature, a “Perceived Barriers and Enablers to Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Referrals Questionnaire” (PBEQ) was developed. In study 2, a total of 10 VCs completed the PBEQ and (1) rated the extent to which they perceived 18 items to be barriers to referrals; (2) rated the extent to which they perceived 12 items to be enablers to referrals; and (3) described additional barriers and enablers. A Tips for Referrals sheet was created.