Dignity in psychiatric care : a literature review

Abstract

Dignity is a vast topic which can be difficult to pin down. The term ’dignity’ is often connected to respect, self-worth, pride and uniqueness. Dignity is a concept often connected to both mental health care and health. Dignity is also related to human rights. In psychiatric care, where patients sometimes need to be restricted, or their choices are limited, shattered dignity can occur. Parse’s theory of human becoming and the human becoming perspective on quality of life was used as theoretical framework. The aim of this thesis was to discuss dignity in psychiatric nursing, investigate how a dignity preserving approach could be used and to promote the importance of using a dignity-preserving approach in psychiatric care. A literature review was conducted for this thesis, using an inductive approach. Data was collected by qualitative research. Through inclusion and exclusion criteria, six (6) articles were chosen from peer-reviewed databases Academic Search Elite EBSCO and Sage journals. In the results chapter, the findings of the six (6) articles were brought forward, and in the discussion chapters the results were discussed in light of the chosen theoretical framework. The results concluded that dignity can be both shattered and preserved by both words and actions from both nurses and other persons, as well as factors one cannot control, such as age and illness. Acting ethically, giving the patient the time they need, and truly being present and allowing oneself to be touched by the patients’ stories helps preserving dignity and strengthens the nurse-patient relationship.