Aims And Objectives: To explore patients' views regarding the factors that contribute to the maintenance of their dignity while in hospital, together with their perceptions of whether or not these were realised.
Background: It has long been recognised that a consideration of patients' dignity in the hospital setting is of paramount importance and its maintenance can contribute to the 'emotional comfort' that may assist recovery. There have been several attempts to define dignity as a theoretical concept, but few studies of the factors that contribute to its maintenance from the patients' perspective.
Int J Nurs Stud
September 2004
Dignity is an important concept which lies at the heart of nursing. Despite the statements made by various international bodies, as a concept it remains complex and under researched. This is because it needs to be understood from the patient's point of view and experience.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF