Human dignity research in clinical practice - a systematic literature review.
Lillemor Lindwall, Vibeke Lohne
PMID 33104271WHAT IT FOUND
Nordic qualitative studies describe dignity in care as being seen, listened to and protected.
Ignoring, talking over patients or leaving them exposed was reported as indignity.
Key findings
01Dignity in acute care was preserved by continuity through perioperative dialogue and by nurse anaesthetists and operating room nurses protecting the patient; it was violated when patients were ignored or talked over.
02In psychiatric care, dignity was maintained when caregivers had the courage to be present; indignity arose when caregivers created powerlessness, punished or neglected patients.
03In elderly care, dignity was connected to autonomy and freedom and to not feeling abandoned; institutional frames and staff attitudes could diminish independence.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The review included only 28 earlier studies, all from Nordic countries, so the findings may not transfer to other settings. The review included only research where the authors had been responsible, which may narrow the evidence base. The included studies were qualitative, so they describe experiences and meanings rather than testing whether any care action caused better outcomes. The sample included nurses, students, family caregivers and patients, so findings may not represent every patient or clinical setting.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Research Council of Norway, grant number 190889/V50. The authors report no conflict of interests and state that they are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that a specific dignity intervention improves outcomes. It synthesises qualitative experiences from staff, students, family caregivers and patients, and does not test whether any action caused better care.