Dignity as a concept within the health care of older adults is particularly related to the process of becoming old and being subject to physical and mental deterioration. Furthermore, the process is often related to a feeling of vulnerability, loss of self-identity and of being subject to negative attitudes
(Moody 1998, Woolhead et al. 2004, DOE n.d.). Older adults have long life experiences and deserve respect from younger generations (Nordenfelt 2003b). In addition, they often have a multitude of medical problems and they are at the concluding stage of their lives (SoS 1997a, SBU 2003) .
Therefore, preserving dignity is considered an important concept in caring for older adults.
Preserving the patient’s dignity and the patient’s experience …show more content…
In caring situations, human dignity is both a silent and complex aspect to be considered by caregivers
(Shotton & Seedhouse 1998, Duarte-Enes 2003, Woolhead et al. 2004). In recent studies, a deeper understanding of how patients’ dignity is compounded has appeared (Shotton &
Seedhouse 1998, Chochinov et al. 2002, Edlund 2002,
Woolhead et al. 2004). Theoretical models regarding dignity have shown the complexity of the concept (Edlund 2002,
Nordenfelt 2003a, 2003b) and examples of preserving older adults’ dignity (DOE n.d.). Furthermore, studies have addressed caregivers’ awareness of patients’ dignity in different ethical situations (So¨ derberg et al. 1997, Turnock &
Kelleher 2001, Randers 2002, Na°den & Eriksson 2004). In order to give good nursing care, the concept ‘preserving dignity’ should be a part of caregivers’ thinking.
Three aspects are involved in concept development: significance, use and application (Rodgers 1993a). Our analysis is focused on application. Application of a concept means that the concept has a particular use in specific contexts (Rodgers
1993a). The concept analysis then can help practitioners to apply the concept in the practical field (Walker & Avant
1995). This paper is a report of a concept analysis of
(Moody 1998, Woolhead et al. 2004, DOE n.d.). Older adults have long life experiences and deserve respect from younger generations (Nordenfelt 2003b). In addition, they often have a multitude of medical problems and they are at the concluding stage of their lives (SoS 1997a, SBU 2003) .
Therefore, preserving dignity is considered an important concept in caring for older adults.
Preserving the patient’s dignity and the patient’s experience …show more content…
In caring situations, human dignity is both a silent and complex aspect to be considered by caregivers
(Shotton & Seedhouse 1998, Duarte-Enes 2003, Woolhead et al. 2004). In recent studies, a deeper understanding of how patients’ dignity is compounded has appeared (Shotton &
Seedhouse 1998, Chochinov et al. 2002, Edlund 2002,
Woolhead et al. 2004). Theoretical models regarding dignity have shown the complexity of the concept (Edlund 2002,
Nordenfelt 2003a, 2003b) and examples of preserving older adults’ dignity (DOE n.d.). Furthermore, studies have addressed caregivers’ awareness of patients’ dignity in different ethical situations (So¨ derberg et al. 1997, Turnock &
Kelleher 2001, Randers 2002, Na°den & Eriksson 2004). In order to give good nursing care, the concept ‘preserving dignity’ should be a part of caregivers’ thinking.
Three aspects are involved in concept development: significance, use and application (Rodgers 1993a). Our analysis is focused on application. Application of a concept means that the concept has a particular use in specific contexts (Rodgers
1993a). The concept analysis then can help practitioners to apply the concept in the practical field (Walker & Avant
1995). This paper is a report of a concept analysis of