Intensive care patients' perceptions of how their dignity is maintained: A phenomenological study

The aim of the study was to acquire knowledge of what contributes to maintaining and promoting the dignity of intensive care patients.

The study takes a phenomenological approach, and the method of data collection is qualitative research interviews. The participants consist of seven former intensive care patients. The analysis was carried out by means of Giorgi's phenomenological analysis strategy.

Being seen and heard and having one's wishes and needs attended to are parts of dignified care. Personal and individual nursing was essential, as well as the extra involvement beyond what was expected. Being helpless and having to be cared for was unpleasant and degrading. The experience of being unable to speak could cause demeaning situations. Being met with respect was the essence of having one's dignity maintained and promoted. The sense of being treated as an object was the essence of experiences that inhibited dignity.

The findings indicate that the intensive care patients' experience of having their dignity maintained in an intensive care unit is good, despite a high-tech, busy environment. There is also potential for improvement in several areas. Awareness, moral integrity and demeanour are central to dignified patient care from the perspective of intensive care patients.