Palliative care: the professional and interprofessional ethical considerations at the staff-volunteer interface in the UK and India

This chapter will explore the ethics of volunteer involvement in two different countries and consider the challenges which can arise from the staff - volunteer interface. Volunteer management in Western cultures has ethical principles that underpin the involvement of volunteers. What happens when these are not understood by staff? What impact does it have when an individual's beliefs and values are at odds with those of others? Many healthcare organisations, whether statutory or not-for-profit, involve volunteers in the delivery of their service. Some such as palliative care may even rely heavily on this resource in providing care and support to patients and families. The governance of many voluntary sector organisations often also lies with trustees, volunteers who have ultimate responsibility for the safe and effective running of the service. Given the challenges for professionals arising from interprofessional working, what does the addition of volunteers bring to this already complex area? The authors will consider these issues mainly from a UK perspective, whilst considering tensions which arise in the community owned palliative care model in Kerala, Southern India.