Exploring the barriers and facilitators to volunteering as an intervention for those with long-term neurological conditions: How make therapeutic volunteering possible?

Abstract

Background: Volunteering may have therapeutic benefits, but little is known about its requirements and potential for people with neurological conditions (pwNC). Design: Two separate focus groups were conducted in Darmstadt, Germany: one group consisting of six pwNC and another group consisting of four health care professionals and three volunteering service providers. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and data were managed using NVivo12. The thematic analysis was applied. Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) Impact of volunteering, (2) Individualisation, (3) Developmental space and (4) Funded supported volunteering. Conclusion: According to the findings, volunteering can be used as a strategy to enhance physical, mental and social well-being in disease management for people with long-term neurological conditions. Patients or Public Contribution: Facilitators for accessibility of therapeutic volunteering; involvement of pwNC.