Perception of dignity of patients in palliative care

Abstract

Objective: to understand the perception of dignity of patients in palliative care and to identify factors that may increase or decrease the sense of dignity. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, carried in a Palliative Care Center in São Paulo (Brazil), with the Chochinov’s Dignity Model as theoretical framework and content analysis as methodological framework. The participants of this study were 20 patients in palliative care, assessed through semi-structured interviews based on three questions: “What is dignity for you?", “What increases your dignity?", “What decreases your dignity?" The interviews were recorded with the patients’ authorization, from September to November 2017, and transcribed for content analysis. Results: the analysis of the perception of dignity allowed the identification of three categories: Correct person, Autonomy/independence and Socio-political factors. The factors that increased the sense of dignity were the following: Care, Independence/autonomy, Leisure/positive thinking/being with friends. And those that decreased it were the following: Behaviors/attitudes, Health status and Economic situation. Conclusion: the perception of dignity of patients in palliative care was influenced by health professionals and caregivers. Being a “correct person”, maintaining autonomy, being cared for and respected has increased the sense of dignity. Urban violence and the lack of compliance with accessibility policies have reduced the sense of dignity among palliative care patients.