Active Listening by Hospital Chaplaincy Volunteers: Benefits, Challenges and Good Practice. (9th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manzano, Ana; Swift, Chris; Closs, S.; Briggs, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Health and social care chaplaincy. Volume 3:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 201
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2015-05-09
• Subjects: active listening -- health communication -- volunteers -- hospital chaplaincy; Chaplains, Hospital -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Patients -- Religious life -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 259.411094105
• DOI: 10.1558/hscc.v3i2.26065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-5553

Abstract

Abstract : Active listening (AL) is a communication technique frequently used in counselling. This study explored the feasibility of implementing a ward based AL intervention for patients by chaplaincy volunteers in the UK National Health Service. Seven focus groups (n=47) included healthcare researchers, lecturers, nurses, patients, AL tutors, active listeners volunteers and chaplaincy volunteers. Acceptability and perceived effectiveness of a patient/volunteer listener intervention were explored. Analysis followed the framework approach. Four themes emerged: (a) Listening as a wellbeing generator; (b) Benefits of AL delivered by volunteers; (c) Spirituality and public perceptions of hospital chaplaincy; (d) Challenges of structured communication techniques in acute care. Participants reported positive attitudes towards the introduction of AL provided by volunteers in acute wards. They shared a common belief that when people are listened to, wellbeing improves through control, choice and empowerment. Patients' acceptability of the intervention increased if it was delivered by volunteers.