Admission to an emergency department (ED) is challenging for older patients with cognitive dysfunction (PWCD). Targeted patient-oriented approaches to improve the care for PWCD are needed. The aim of this pilot study was to design and evaluate a program for volunteers to support PWCD in the ED. Volunteers (N = 9) first received a training and during the following six months (N = 90 shifts), they accompanied PWCD (N = 112) during their stay. Results showed that the training increased volunteers’ knowledge and expertise, but not shift-related self-efficacy. The most frequent strategies applied were conversations, holding hands and touching, and providing food and drinks. After six months, volunteers reported a great sense of meaningfulness and felt that they were highly appreciated by the patients. ED nurses’ sceptical attitudes towards the program decreased. The program is beneficial for PWCD, appears to be meaningful for volunteers and is appreciated by ED nurses.

对于患有认知功能障碍 (PWCD) 的老年患者来说，进入急诊室 (ED) 具有挑战性。需要有针对性的以患者为导向的方法来改善 PWCD 的护理。这项试点研究的目的是设计和评估志愿者计划，以支持急诊室的 PWCD。志愿者（N  = 9）首先接受培训，在接下来的六个月（N  = 90 轮班）中，他们陪同 PWCD（N = 112) 在他们逗留期间。结果表明，培训增加了志愿者的知识和专业知识，但没有增加与轮班相关的自我效能感。最常用的策略是交谈、牵手和触摸，以及提供食物和饮料。六个月后，志愿者们报告说他们有很大的意义，并感到他们受到了患者的高度赞赏。ED 护士对该计划的怀疑态度有所下降。该计划对 PWCD 有益，似乎对志愿者有意义，并受到 ED 护士的赞赏。