Factors influencing patients' dignity: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Care
• Healthcare Ethics

Background:

• Patient dignity is central to nursing care.
• Nurses are responsible for promoting and preserving patient dignity.
• Contextual differences must be considered in dignity care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing, promoting, or compromising patient dignity.
• To identify key elements impacting the patient experience of dignity.
• To inform nursing practice regarding dignity preservation.

Main Methods:

• Purposeful sampling of 14 participants with hospitalization experience.
• Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews for data collection.
• Inductive content analysis to explore themes and subthemes.

Main Results:

• Key factors influencing dignity include 'persona' (personal beliefs, characteristics), 'communication behaviors' (verbal, non-verbal, empathy, time), and 'staff conduct' (commitment, resources, competency).
• Participants' personal beliefs and characteristics significantly impacted their sense of dignity.
• Effective communication and professional staff conduct were crucial for upholding dignity.

Conclusions:

• Expanding nurses' knowledge of dignity-influencing factors is essential.
• Practical measures for preserving and promoting patient dignity can be developed by focusing on identified factors.
• Enhanced understanding will lead to more dignified bedside care.