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BackgroundIt has been found that including volunteers in palliative care is a positive contribution to seriously ill patients. It is, however, recommended that the volunteers are trained and supported. The aim of this study was to describe a group of trained and supported volunteers’ lived experiences as volunteers in palliative care within the community health care services.MethodsThis study adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach featuring individual interviews with nine volunteers. The interviews were analysed using the descriptive phenomenological research method according to Giorgi.ResultsBeing a volunteer in palliative care was both a positive and meaningful experience. It was a privilege being able to help those in need, which yielded positive returns. As a volunteer, it was important to be present for the ill persons and to follow them in their various physical and psychical states, which also implied that the volunteer had to face and deal with challenging situations. However, volunteers stated it was crucial to possess knowledge and life experience, as well as a clarified role, and they stressed the importance of being followed up by a mentor.ConclusionsThe findings showed that trained and supported volunteers among seriously ill or dying people within the realm of community health care services play an independent and important role in the palliative care team. A coordinator in palliative care is especially suitable for training and supporting the volunteers.

Nasjonalt kunnskapssenter for helsetjenesten, ved Nasjonal enhet for pasientsikkerhet tok i november 2007 initiativ til å danne en arbeidsgruppe for begrepsbruk innen pasientsikkerhet. Målet med arbeidsgruppens arbeid var å se naermer på begrepsbruk og ulike tilnaerminger til feltet. Arbeidsmetode: Arbeidsgruppen har hatt tre møter, samt holdt korrespondanse per e-post. På det første møtet i arbeidsgruppen diskuterte en ulike tilnaerminger til pasientsikkerhetsbegrepet og hva målsettingen med arbeidet skulle vaere. Arbeidsgruppen tok utgangspunkt i en diskusjon om pasientsikkerhet skal forstås som et begrep eller perspektiv innenfor kvalitetsforbedring, eller som et selvstendig perspektiv. Konklusjon: Systematisk arbeid med begrepsutvikling innen pasientsikkerhet i Norge bør reflektere diskusjonene som pågår både nasjonalt og internasjonalt. Det er behov for en klar og entydig begrepsbruk. Begrepsutvikling skal støtte opp om fagutviklingen innen pasientsikkerhetsarbeidet, og ikke stå i veien.

Aims and objectives.  To compare screening results using different nutritional screening instruments with respect to nutritional risk and associations with perceived health and health‐related issues in a group of older hospital patients. Background.  The association between lower perceived health and nutritional risk in older people is widely known. It is advised to use a screening instrument to identify nutritional at‐risk patients. Design.  A cross‐sectional study design was used. Methods.  One hundred and fifty‐eight older patients, in three medical hospital wards in two hospitals in southern Norway, were interviewed using a questionnaire containing questions about background variables, perceived health and health‐related issues and the nutritional screening instruments Nutritional Form for the Elderly and Mini Nutritional Assessment (including Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form). Data were also collected regarding the screening instrument Nutrition Risk Screening 2002. All data were analysed using statistical methods. Results.  Many patients were at nutritional risk independent of instrument used. Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 identified fewer nutritional at‐risk patients than the other instruments did. Perceived ill health was significantly associated with nutritional risk using instruments specifically designed for older people. Feeling satisfied with life and lower risk of undernutrition were two important predictors for perceived good health. Conclusions.  Nutritional Form for the Elderly, Mini Nutritional Assessment and Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form could identify approximately the same number of nutritional at‐risk patients. Being at nutritional risk had a negative impact on older patients’ perceived health. Relevance for practice.  Corresponding nutritional screening results can be obtained using either Nutritional Form for the Elderly or Mini Nutritional Assessment, as well as Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form. Instruments designed for older people should be used to screen older patients. Factors associated with nutritional risk can aid nurses in becoming aware of nutritional at‐risk patients. Preventing undernutrition is important for overall health enhancement.