Reducing the Impact of the Health Care Access Crisis Through Volunteerism: A Means, Not an End

Geletko, Karen W.; Beitsch, Leslie M.; Lundberg, Mark; Brooks, Robert G.

doi:10.2105/ajph.2008.145623

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…At a time when health care costs continue to rise, volunteers offer an opportunity to enhance care without significantly raising costs (Wells, DePue, Buehler, Lasater, & Carleton, 1990). Furthermore, as the number of uninsured individuals continues to rise, volunteer practitioners can provide a solution for those unable to access care (Geletko, Beitsch, Lundberg, & Brooks, 2009). There are two ways in which to show the financial benefit of volunteers; the first is through a calculation of benefits and the second is through a cost–benefit analysis.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the 2006-2007 fiscal year alone, donated health care services were valued at $147.5 million. The return on investment is substantial with nearly $200 in benefits for every dollar spent (Geletko et al, 2009). Overall, this program is an excellent example of how valuable volunteerism in health care settings can be and how it can offer a unique method in resolving some of health care’s most pressing issues.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Role, Measurement, and Impact of Volunteerism in Hospitals

Hotchkiss

Unruh

Fottler

2014

Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

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Volunteer programs are expected to positively impact the organizations in which they exist. This article reviews the literature on volunteerism, including what volunteers do, how their contributions can be measured, and the financial- and quality-related outcomes of volunteer programs. The focus is on volunteerism in health care settings, particularly hospitals. The article summarizes the existing theoretical and empirical literature concerning the roles of volunteers, the economic value of volunteers, cost–benefit analysis of volunteer labor, and the impact of volunteers on quality and patient satisfaction. The review indicates that the use of volunteers offers significant cost savings to hospitals and may positively impact profit margins. Volunteers are also likely to enhance quality indicators such as patient satisfaction and safety. Implications of these findings for management and future research are discussed.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role, Measurement, and Impact of Volunteerism in Hospitals

Hotchkiss

Unruh

Fottler

2014

Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

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“…Few studies describe how voluntary networks have been organized 10‐12 and how they contribute to the health system in terms of cost‐effectiveness and the number of medical visits 13 . In the United States of America, local authorities attribute a high return on investment in terms of health improvement to the inclusion of voluntary networks in their health policy targeting uninsured residents 14,15 . In Europe, documentation of voluntary networks remains limited to reports by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) 7,16,19 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Access to oral health care for undocumented migrants: Perspectives of actors involved in a voluntary dental network in the Netherlands

Midde

Hesse

Heijden

et al. 2020

Comm Dent Oral Epid

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Objective Undocumented migrants in Europe face multiple barriers in access to oral health care. This study aimed to explore the accessibility of a voluntary dental network providing dental treatments to undocumented migrants in the Netherlands, from the perspectives of patients, dentists and staff members of nongovernmental organizations involved. Methods This qualitative study used semi‐structured interviews (n = 21) with undocumented migrants (n = 12), dentists (n = 7) and staff members of nongovernmental organizations (n = 2) during the implementation of a voluntary dental network. Interviews were analysed using a framework analysis method. Results As a temporary answer to problems in access to oral health for undocumented migrants, the voluntary dental network targeted initial barriers to dental care. Main challenges within the network were conflicting expectations and perceived treatment outcomes by patients, dentist and NGO staff members, limited financial resources, logistic and communication barriers and an increasing administrative burden. Furthermore, feelings of compassion for and trust of the patient affected the ethics of the professional relationship and influenced treatment decisions of dentists. Conclusion Through the implementation of a voluntary dental network, treatments could be provided to undocumented migrants as a temporary solution. However, the voluntary nature of dental care in the network resulted in a fragmented provision of oral health care among undocumented migrants. To reduce inequalities in oral health on the long term, systemic barriers in access to oral health care need to be addressed.

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The benefit and cost of voluntary work in government: The case of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew Program

Ortega¹,

Park²

2022

Evaluation and Program Planning

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Reducing the Impact of the Health Care Access Crisis Through Volunteerism: A Means, Not an End

Cited by 6 publications

References 9 publications

The Role, Measurement, and Impact of Volunteerism in Hospitals

The Role, Measurement, and Impact of Volunteerism in Hospitals

Access to oral health care for undocumented migrants: Perspectives of actors involved in a voluntary dental network in the Netherlands

The benefit and cost of voluntary work in government: The case of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew Program

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