The Heart and Mind Coming Together: A Case Study of the Implementation of a University-Children's Hospital Partnership

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of university students serving as volunteers in an oncology ward at a local children's hospital. The implementation of this project was guided by the body of literature regarding service learning. Data were collected from...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author O'Connor, C. Richele
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.10.2008
Subjects
Academic Achievement
Barriers
Case Studies
Change Agents
Childhood Needs
Expectation
Experience
Hospitalized Children
Hospitals
Interviews
Oncology
Personality Traits
Service Learning
Student Motivation
Student Needs
Student Participation
Teacher Attitudes
Tutors
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Summary:The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of university students serving as volunteers in an oncology ward at a local children's hospital. The implementation of this project was guided by the body of literature regarding service learning. Data were collected from the five students using a structured interview and was presented as case studies. A cross-case analysis was performed to identify emerging patterns and themes and to identify similarities and differences among the subjects. The main findings were discussed across the themes of pragmatics; personality profile; people who need people; life experiences; motivation to participate; great expectations; and perceived benefits and challenges. Questions for further research provided ways to sustain and improve the project. Five appendixes are included: (1) Agenda; (2) Service Learning Agreement; (3) Acknowledgement of Risk Statement; (4) Pre-Project Interview Protocol; and (5) Post-Project Interview Protocol. (Contains 1 table.)