The process of Maintaining Dignity in the Care of the Hospitalized and the Development of its Promotional Model.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The importance of recognizing patient dignity has been realized in recent years. Despite being a central phenomenon in nursing, dignity is a controversial concept, the definition of which in healthcare centers is influenced by a multitude of factors. The aim of this study was to explore the perspective of Iranian patients on respect for their dignity in healthcare centers. Methods: With the use of purposeful sampling, 20 patients were interviewed over an 11- month period in three educational hospitals affiliated with the government. They were questioned about experiences related to respect for their dignity during their hospital encounter. Data were processed by qualitative content analysis. Findings: Data analysis identified eight categories and four themes. Respondents expressed their expectations and attitudes about dignity by the following themes: unfavorable organizational environment; disrespecting privacy, communicating in a vacuum; and disregards for secondary caregivers. They described how respect for their privacy effective communication, access to facilities, and a regard for the requirements of their companions made them feel that their dignity had been conserved. Conclusions: The findings indicate that almost no patient is satisfied with the quality of services with respect to maintenance of their dignity. Regardless of their hospital location and state of health, most participants had common complaints. These findings agree with the literature and confirm that grounds should be provided for conserving dignity in the healthcare system. To reach this goal, healthcare professionals should be aware of the factors that violate or preserve dignity from the patient's perspective.