Undergraduate students' experiences of participating in a Danish respite programme for young carers—A mixed methods study

• Published in: The International journal of health planning and management 2023-03, Vol.38 (2), p.507-526
• Main Authors: Nissen, Karina Brix, Laursen, Sisse Heiden, Udsen, Flemming Witt, Haslund‐Thomsen, Helle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caregivers; Child; Children; College students; Colleges & universities; Communication; Competence; Decision makers; Denmark; Education; Focus Groups; Health planning; Humans; Mixed methods research; Nursing; Occupational therapy; Pedagogy; Physical therapy; Physiotherapy; Pilot Projects; Practical aspects; professional competence; Professional practice; respite programme; Students; Students, Nursing; Teaching; Undergraduate students; Undergraduate study; United States; volunteering; Volunteers; young carers
• ISSN: 0749-6753; 1099-1751
• DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3602

Background 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. Methods 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 4 months. Results 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. Conclusion 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. Highlights Educational activities relating to interaction and communication with young carers are not always integrated into relevant undergraduate studies. Voluntary programmes may be a way to meet the students' needs in this regard. There is a lack of knowledge on the impact of such participation (i.e. in voluntary programmes for young carers) on students' experiences and competency development. Insight into how a volunteer programme provides a comfortable space for undergraduate students within the field of nursing, teaching, pedagogy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, to develop and practice their competencies. Participating in the programme seems to equip the students for their future work and be a relevant supplement to the theoretical and practical aspects of undergraduate studies.