Abstract
Age-appropriate communication and interaction are essential when meeting young carers, requiring in-depth knowledge and experience. Volunteer programmes may enhance undergraduate students' competencies in this regard. This pilot study evaluated undergraduate students' perceptions of volunteering on the Buddies for Children and Youngsters (BCY) programme by assessing the extent to which students experienced an improvement in their relational and communication competencies and/or felt better equipped for their future work. The researchers conducted a mixed methods study with a parallel design, focussing on undergraduate students from the University College of Northern Denmark within the field of nursing, teaching, pedagogy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. The students participated in the programme for at least 4months. Forty-two students responded to a questionnaire, and 17 students were selected to participate in four focus groups. The results showed that participation in the programme improved the students' communication and relational competencies to some degree. The programme provided the students with experience of age-related communication on both informal and difficult topics, and of building relationships and solving relational challenges. Also, the programme generally equipped students for future work with young carers and children. In conclusion, the BCY programme is a relevant supplement to regular educational activities. Decision makers within politics of health, health planning and management, should therefore consider implementation of such programmes in relevant educational areas.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The International journal of health planning and management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
