Abstract CN1
Background
The national civil service (SCN) is an opportunity for personal growth offered to young people aged 18 to 28 (law no. 64 2001), has an annual duration and solidarity purposes; the project can be presented by public or accredited bodies. The experience of the SCN is configured as an opportunity for the volunteer to develop his professionalism and contribute to the country's economic and cultural social development. Every year an announcement is published for the presentation of projects in Italy or abroad: in this context FAVO (Italian Federation of voluntary associations in oncology) as an accredited body presented the Informacancro project.
Methods
In order to detect the information needs of patients and their families, improve communication and reception of patients belonging to cancer centers as well as promote the interaction between structures of excellence and volunteering for the effective definition of a reception model and communication, the volunteers are required to follow mandatory online and in-attendance training, as well as the local project manager, who is entrusted with monitoring the volunteer's activity. All activities carried out towards patients and family members are recorded through the appropriate survey forms.
Results
Creation of a culture of attention and interest of young people to the problems of cancer patients and their families. Preparation of volunteer staff for the reception of people who face cancer, also through a communication and information model, with respect to the cognitive needs on diagnosis, therapies, giving useful tools for living with the disease. Change in the negative and discriminatory attitude of young people towards the disease and those affected. Support the department that can count on young and motivated forces to carry out its activities.
Conclusions
The volunteer undertook several activities: welcoming patients, providing them with information, managing and archiving health documents. Logistical difficulties have been encountered due to the impossibility of having a dedicated space for the relationship with patients. It has been integrated into the ward and has collaborated with the various operators, creating a well-organized and functional team in order to provide the best possible assistance to patients and their families.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Gianotti Emilia.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.