Dignity and Predictors of Its Change Among Inpatients in Long-Term Care

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify any differences in the dignity evaluation of geriatric inpatients after 1 month of hospitalization in a long-term care wards (LTC) and predictors of this change. This follow-up study included 125 geriatric inpatients who filled the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI-CZ), Geriatric Depression Scale, Barthel Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination. In the initial measurement, the patients rated of PDI-CZ item “Not able to perform tasks of daily living” the worst. One month after, the items “Not able to perform tasks of daily living,” “Not able to attend to bodily functions,” and “Not feeling worthwhile or valued” were improved. Patients with higher education, for whom self-sufficiency improved and depression decreased, rated their dignity more positively 1 month after the hospitalization in LTC. Our findings suggest that these factors are important for the maintenance of the dignity of older adults hospitalized in LTC.

A systematic review of patient‐reported dignity and dignified care during acute hospital admission

“…Studies in the current review reported a relationship between dignity and spirituality or religiosity, and this concurs with the findings of previous studies that mentioned religion as an important determinant of dignity in end‐of‐life patients (Albers et al, 2013 ). However, our review finding is incongruent with the finding of a recent study that did not observe any association between dignity and spirituality amongst patients in long‐term care (Kisvetrová et al, 2021 ). Differences in healthcare needs between patients in acute care and those in long‐term care settings may account for the differences in findings.…”

“…Several studies included in this review identified depression, anxiety, demoralization, negative coping mechanism and overall psychological distress as predictors of loss of dignity. Consistent with our finding, depression and anxiety have been cited in previous studies as predictors of loss of dignity in outpatients (Grassi et al, 2017; Kostopoulou et al, 2018), and inpatients in long‐term care settings (Kisvetrová et al, 2021; Solomon et al, 2016). Loss of dignity has also been associated with demoralization and dysfunctional coping mechanisms such as hopelessness and helplessness in previous research (Grassi et al, 2017).…”

“…Our review identified an association between dignity and several patient demographic variables, lending credence to existing propositions in the literature that the dignity of a person is determined by their social status and influenced by their interaction with others in society (Jacobson, 2007 ; Nordenfelt, 2004 ). For instance, our review identified that lower dignity levels were associated with a lack of formal education and, or low economic status, a finding consistent with previous research in long‐term care settings (Dong et al, 2021 ; Kisvetrová et al, 2021 ). Our review also observed a relationship between dignity and marital status, previously identified amongst the end of life patients (Albers et al, 2013 ).…”

Factors associated with older persons’ perceptions of dignity and well-being over a three-year period. A retrospective national study in residential care facilities

“…These results strengthen previous cross-sectional research regarding factors associated with residents’ perceptions of aspects of dignity and well-being [ 27 ]. In addition, these results are consistent with previous research regarding the importance of evaluating factors influencing dignity among older persons living in RCFs [ 39 ]. Thus, the results can make an important contribution in identifying what factors should be targeted when designing sustainable improvement strategies to promote dignity and well-being in RCFs.…”

Improving the perception of respect for and the dignity of inpatients: a systematic review

“…58 It is therefore imperative that healthcare professionals keep the concept of integrity in mind and that this knowledge is used to train healthcare professionals with more professionalism, communication skills and practice-based learning. 59 60 In an increasingly digital age, resources for preserving information and privacy are essential, since patients' autonomy is closely intertwined with their dignity, [61][62][63] which can positively impact the quality of empathic, non-possessive care, authentic and respectful, with positive results in treatment outcomes. 64…”