biostudies-literatureBloomer MJEndeavour Foundation589-604https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7222697biostudies-literatureUnknown34(5)<h4>Background</h4>Volunteers make a major contribution to palliative care but little is known specifically about hospital palliative care volunteers.<h4>Aim</h4>The aim of this study was to understand the role and experience of hospital palliative care volunteers.<h4>Design</h4>Systematic review and narrative synthesis.<h4>Data sources</h4>CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed and three dissertation databases were searched from inception to June 2019. A forward and backward search of included papers in key journals was also undertaken. Records were independently assessed against inclusion criteria by authors. Included papers were assessed for quality, but none were excluded.<h4>Results</h4>In total, 14 papers were included. Hospital palliative care volunteers were mostly female, aged Palliative medicine'It's not what they were expecting': A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the role and experience of the hospital palliative care volunteer.PMC7222697Endeavour Executive Leadership AwardWalshe CBloomer MJfalse'It's not what they were expecting': A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the role and experience of the hospital palliative care volunteer.<h4>Background</h4>Volunteers make a major contribution to palliative care but little is known specifically about hospital palliative care volunteers.<h4>Aim</h4>The aim of this study was to understand the role and experience of hospital palliative care volunteers.<h4>Design</h4>Systematic review and narrative synthesis.<h4>Data sources</h4>CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed and three dissertation databases were searched from inception to June 2019. A forward and backward search of included papers in key journals was also undertaken. Records were independently assessed against inclusion criteria by authors. Included papers were assessed for quality, but none were excluded.<h4>Results</h4>In total, 14 papers were included. Hospital palliative care volunteers were mostly female, aged 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 May2026-07-15T17:22:16.944Z2025-05-31T23:34:35.453ZS-EPMC72226973206315910.1177/0269216319899025