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Virtual volunteers: the importance of restructuring medical volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic
  1. Zachary Pickell1,2,
  2. Kathleen Gu1,
  3. Aaron M Williams2
  1. 1 Department of Biology, University of Michigan, College of Literature Science and the Arts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
  2. 2 Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Aaron M Williams, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; willaaro{at}med.umich.edu

Abstract

Healthcare systems have postponed medical volunteering services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, much of the aid provided by these volunteers is crucial to patient care and hospital functioning in the American healthcare system. The adoption of online video conferencing platforms in healthcare—telehealth—offers a novel solution for volunteering during this pandemic. Virtual volunteering can alleviate pressures on medical workers, enhance patient experiences, reduce the risk of viral infection and provide a sense of normalcy for patients and families. Although further study is required, this should be an avenue considered by health systems.

  • medical humanities
  • health policy
  • medical education
  • end of life care
  • health care education

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

https://bmj.com/coronavirus/usage

https://doi.org/10.1136/medhum-2020-011956

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    Footnotes

    • Twitter @Z_Pickell

    • Contributors ZP and KG drafted the manuscript. ZP, KG and AMW significantly contributed to the conceptualisation and revision of this manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient consent for publication Not required.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.