Individual factors in dignified care: A cross‐sectional study of critical care nurses

Abstract

Aim To determine the level of dignified care provided by critical care nurses, and explore the associated individual factors. Background Dignity is a fundamental right of human beings. Critically ill patients are dependent on nurses. Their need for respect and dignity is liable to be neglected in intensive care unit settings. Both critically ill survivors and dying patients suffer mental anguish due to loss of dignity. Method This was a cross‐sectional study of 526 critical care nurses working at intensive care units for adults in Zhejiang Province, China. Data were collected from February 2021 to May 2021 using the Intensive Care Unit Dignified Care Questionnaire, Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Professional and Nurses Professional Values Scale‐Revised. Results The total score of dignified care was 67.37 (8.83), with the standard score as 74.07 (12.99). Participants who performed poorly in absolute and relative dignity accounted for 8.4% and 31.2% of the total sample, respectively. Emotional intelligence (β = .379, p < .001), empathy (β = .319, p < .001), professional values (β = .147, p < .001), age (β = .075, p = .003) and training in dignified care (β = .074, p = .010) were associated with dignified care, explaining 67.6% of the variance. Conclusion The average level of participants' behaviours of maintaining patient dignity was medium. Critical care nurses need to improve their ability to maintain relative dignity of patients. Emotional intelligence, empathy, professional values, age level and training in dignified care were predictors of dignified care. Implications for Nursing Management Improving emotional intelligence, empathy and professional values of critical care nurses and training them (especially less experienced nurses) will enhance their ability in dignified care. This study provides a novel perspective to help nursing managers develop interventions to promote humanized care in the intensive care unit.

Privacy awareness among healthcare professionals in intensive care unit: A multicenter, cross-sectional study

“…[ 37 ] The positive effects of empathy and professional values on ethical decision-making has been proven by some studies. [ 38 , 39 ] The nurse-patient relationship is crucial because nurses create a strong healthcare workforce and have more patient contact time. In addition, given that the duties of nurses do not involve directly preparing treatment, it can be assumed that nurses will have a stronger social relationship with patients, as they are more likely to care for patients, administer treatments, and create safe and healthy environments.…”