Dignity of elderly adults from the perspective of nurses: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to analyze dignity in nursing care in institutionalised elderly adults from the perspective of nurses, and to identify factors affecting dignity. Design: A descriptive qualitative study. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study employing individual in-depth interviews. The sample comprised ten general nurses working in health and social institutions with round-the-clock care for elderly adults. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Six main themes have been identified in relation to dignity: Regarding elderly adults as unique human beings; Privacy and embarrassment; Quality of relationships; Communication; Quality of care; and Environment. The main themes were further broken down into 24 sub-themes and their mutual relationships. Among important determinants for dignity, nurses listed sufficient staff and funding, the necessity for health and social workers to cooperate, and family relationships. Conclusion: The resulting schema represents a description of nurses' experience of respecting dignity in primary nursing care for elderly adults. Nurses see dignity in open communication, room for privacy, securing quality individualised care, and preserving current family relationships. The schema may be used for a self-reflection by nurses in direct care for elderly adult, by the management of healthcare institutions and social care, and for students of nursing.

Human dignity of patients in nursing: A concept analysis

“…Other important dimensions and attributes of patient dignity identified in this study were the observance of patient privacy, respect for autonomy, respectful nursepatient interactions, patient participation in decisionmaking, absence of mental and physical distress symptoms in patients, having peace of mind, independence, social support, acceptance and observance of patient rights, requesting permission before entering the patient's room by staff, compassion for the patient, benignity and altruism, professional commitment to protect patients' rights and enlightened practice, providing a safe environment, attention to secondary caregivers and sufficient attention to patients' self-esteem. The results of Šaňáková and Čáp showed six main themes related to patients' dignity regarding elderly adults: unique human beings, respect for patient privacy and solitude, quality of relationships, quality of communication, quality of care, and environment [48]. Lin and Tsai identified five themes: respect, privacy, emotional support, equal treatment of all patients, and maintaining body image [49].…”

Ethical challenges in caring for healthy older adults: Qualitative perspectives

“…45 Šaňáková and Čáp (2018) state that respecting the older adults in the eyes of nurses involves: establishing an open relationship, respecting privacy, protecting the security, and maintaining a relationship with the family. 46 In healthy older adults, since the physical and mental status of the older adults is relatively sound, the nurse can forge a better relationship with the older adults by respecting them and thereby encouraging their greater participation in the care program. When the health system neglects the older adults, they feel threatened and distrust the health system.…”

“…45 Šaňáková and Čáp (2018) state that respecting the older adults in the eyes of nurses involves: establishing an open relationship, respecting privacy, protecting the security, and maintaining a relationship with the family. 46…”