Journal of Care Services Management, 5(3), July 2011, pp.160-167.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Despite all efforts to the contrary, biomedical efforts to delay, prevent, or cure dementia have shown no significant success. This article argues that we need to reassess our perspective on hope, and understand the need for some redirection toward the larger questions of care when no cure is in sight. It argues that it seems appropriate at this point in time to focus more of our hope and possibly resources on care itself, and how we can create cultures that value people who are deeply forgetful. There is no ‘magic bullet’ available yet that promises to slow or cure dementia, although we can have hope in dietary modifications that may delay onset. We can also be hopeful in terms of: compassionate carers who manifest our deepest sense of a shared humanity despite cognitive decline; the increasing evidence for enduring selves beneath the chaos of neurological devastation; and the possibilities of a spiritual-cultural evolution toward acceptance, affirmation, and connection with the deeply forgetful.
Despite all efforts to the contrary, biomedical efforts to delay, prevent, or cure dementia have shown no significant success. This article argues that we need to reassess our perspective on hope, and understand the need for some redirection toward the larger questions of care when no cure is in sight. It argues that it seems appropriate at this point in time to focus more of our hope and possibly resources on care itself, and how we can create cultures that value people who are deeply forgetful. There is no ‘magic bullet’ available yet that promises to slow or cure dementia, although we can have hope in dietary modifications that may delay onset. We can also be hopeful in terms of: compassionate carers who manifest our deepest sense of a shared humanity despite cognitive decline; the increasing evidence for enduring selves beneath the chaos of neurological devastation; and the possibilities of a spiritual-cultural evolution toward acceptance, affirmation, and connection with the deeply forgetful.
Using focus groups with older people, this study explored how older people view human dignity in their lives, taking account of how this might be affected by factors such as age, illness, social and economic aspects, health and illness. The themes that emerged from the data are presented and compared to a philosophical account of dignity. The conclusion lists points for policy, education
Using focus groups with older people, this study explored how older people view human dignity in their lives, taking account of how this might be affected by factors such as age, illness, social and economic aspects, health and illness. The themes that emerged from the data are presented and compared to a philosophical account of dignity. The conclusion lists points for policy, education and service development in health and social care.
Subject terms:
older people, attitudes, dignity, focus groups, health needs;
Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 15(4), 2016, p.578–595.
Publisher:
Sage
Dignity is seen as an essential need, fundamental right, and inherent quality of each human being. There is however, a need for increased knowledge on crucial dimensions constituting dignity experience in persons living with dementia. This study explored personal dimensions of life which persons with dementia perceived crucial for experiencing dignity in their daily lives. Based on the findings of eight empirical sub-dimensions, three main dimensions crucial for constituting dignity experience, were identified through hermeneutical interpretation: A historical dignity-dimension, acknowledging one’s own life-projects and life-history; an intrapersonal dignity-dimension, recognising one’s own human worth, and living according to internal values; and an interpersonal dignity-dimension, experiencing being part of a caring and confirming communion. Knowledge of dignity preservation should be a crucial foundation for future dementia care.
(Publisher abstract)
Dignity is seen as an essential need, fundamental right, and inherent quality of each human being. There is however, a need for increased knowledge on crucial dimensions constituting dignity experience in persons living with dementia. This study explored personal dimensions of life which persons with dementia perceived crucial for experiencing dignity in their daily lives. Based on the findings of eight empirical sub-dimensions, three main dimensions crucial for constituting dignity experience, were identified through hermeneutical interpretation: A historical dignity-dimension, acknowledging one’s own life-projects and life-history; an intrapersonal dignity-dimension, recognising one’s own human worth, and living according to internal values; and an interpersonal dignity-dimension, experiencing being part of a caring and confirming communion. Knowledge of dignity preservation should be a crucial foundation for future dementia care.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, dignity, health professionals, attitudes, self-concept, values;
This document explains how the 6Cs, the values which underpin Compassion in Practice, the national strategy for nurses, midwives and care staff, link to the values, recruitment, qualifications, and leadership frameworks in social care. They comprise: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment. The document includes a grid mapping the 6Cs to: current social care qualifications from the Care Certificate through to the level 5 diploma; the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England; and the Social Care Commitment.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This document explains how the 6Cs, the values which underpin Compassion in Practice, the national strategy for nurses, midwives and care staff, link to the values, recruitment, qualifications, and leadership frameworks in social care. They comprise: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment. The document includes a grid mapping the 6Cs to: current social care qualifications from the Care Certificate through to the level 5 diploma; the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England; and the Social Care Commitment.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
social care staff, care workforce, values, attitudes, dignity, skills, qualifications;
The findings of focus groups of older people carried out in six countries to explore how older people view human dignity in their lives, and how factors such as age, social and economic aspects, and health and illness are compared. The countries involved in the study were the UK, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia and France.
The findings of focus groups of older people carried out in six countries to explore how older people view human dignity in their lives, and how factors such as age, social and economic aspects, and health and illness are compared. The countries involved in the study were the UK, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia and France.
This article reports on a multi-method case study investigating the effect of staff behaviour on patient dignity. Qualitative data was collected via interviews with patients and staff, participant observation and document examination. The results indicate that patient dignity is promoted when staff provided privacy and use interactions that help patients feel comfortable, in control and valued. Individual staff behaviour as a major impact on whether threats to patient dignity actually lead to its loss.
This article reports on a multi-method case study investigating the effect of staff behaviour on patient dignity. Qualitative data was collected via interviews with patients and staff, participant observation and document examination. The results indicate that patient dignity is promoted when staff provided privacy and use interactions that help patients feel comfortable, in control and valued. Individual staff behaviour as a major impact on whether threats to patient dignity actually lead to its loss.
Subject terms:
human rights, patients, privacy, attitudes, communication, dignity, health professionals;
Working with Older People, 11(2), June 2007, pp.15-19.
Publisher:
Emerald
The Heathcare Commission has recently been developing an approach to check whether NHS trusts are treating hospital patients with dignity and respect. This article outlines the challenges to make dignity in care work.
The Heathcare Commission has recently been developing an approach to check whether NHS trusts are treating hospital patients with dignity and respect. This article outlines the challenges to make dignity in care work.
Subject terms:
human rights, NHS trusts, older people, patients, attitudes, dignity;
Reports on the findings of 89 focus group and individual interviews, involving 391 people aged 61plus in six European countries. The study was carried out with the aim of exploring how older people view human dignity in their lives. It was seen as highly relevant and important concept, enhancing self-esteem, self-worth and wellbeing. Three major themes were identified: respect and recognition; participant and involvement; and dignity in care. The empirical data reflected the theoretical model of human dignity in that it considered the dignity of personal identity as of importance and relevance. In conclusion, the authors assert that for the dignity of older people to be enhanced, communication issues, privacy, personal identity and feelings of vulnerability need to be addressed.
Reports on the findings of 89 focus group and individual interviews, involving 391 people aged 61plus in six European countries. The study was carried out with the aim of exploring how older people view human dignity in their lives. It was seen as highly relevant and important concept, enhancing self-esteem, self-worth and wellbeing. Three major themes were identified: respect and recognition; participant and involvement; and dignity in care. The empirical data reflected the theoretical model of human dignity in that it considered the dignity of personal identity as of importance and relevance. In conclusion, the authors assert that for the dignity of older people to be enhanced, communication issues, privacy, personal identity and feelings of vulnerability need to be addressed.
... concerned the attitude of healthcare professionals towards homeless people. A respectful approach and respect for dignity proved to be important in good quality palliative care. Conclusions: A patient-centred, flexible and low-threshold approach embodying awareness of the concerns of homeless people is needed so that appropriate palliative care can be provided timely. Training, education and experience
(Edited publisher abstract)
Background: Homeless people often suffer from complex and chronic comorbidities, have high rates of morbidity and die at much younger ages than the general population. Due to a complex combination of physical, psychosocial and addiction problems at the end of life, they often have limited access to palliative care. Both the homeless and healthcare providers experience a lot of barriers. Therefore, providing palliative care that fits the needs and concerns of the homeless is a challenge to healthcare providers. This systematic review aims to summarize evidence about the concerns, palliative care needs and preferences of homeless people, as well as barriers and facilitators for delivering high quality palliative care. Methods PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched up to 10 May 2016. Included were studies about homeless people with a short life expectancy, their palliative care needs and the palliative care provided, that were conducted in Western countries. Data were independently extracted by two researchers using a predefined extraction form. Quality was assessed using a Critical Appraisal instrument. The systematic literature review was based on the PRISMA statement. Results: Twenty-seven publications from 23 different studies met the inclusion criteria; 15 studies were qualitative and eight were quantitative. Concerns of the homeless often related to end-of-life care not being a priority, drug dependence hindering adequate care, limited insight into their condition and little support from family and relatives. Barriers and facilitators often concerned the attitude of healthcare professionals towards homeless people. A respectful approach and respect for dignity proved to be important in good quality palliative care. Conclusions: A patient-centred, flexible and low-threshold approach embodying awareness of the concerns of homeless people is needed so that appropriate palliative care can be provided timely. Training, education and experience of professionals can help to accomplish this.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
systematic reviews, homeless people, palliative care, end of life care, needs, health needs, attitudes, dignity, person-centred care, discrimination;
Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 14(1), 2018, pp.73-92.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia
Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is explicitly legal in five states and by court decision in one. Legislative bills have been introduced in other states including Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This quantitative study was designed to understand Midwest, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers’ attitudes toward PAS, preferred terminology, perception of preparedness for the implementation, and awareness of PAS legislation in their state. Sixty-two social workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin completed an anonymous online survey. The results indicated that over one-half of the participants supported PAS legislation and is consistent with previous research on social workers across the country. While there was a range of perceived preparedness for implementation, a majority felt moderately to very prepared. Professional and personal values as well as professional experience influenced their perceived preparedness. Few social workers had accurate awareness of PAS legislation in their state or had attended workshops/events for further education or as a policy advocate. To practice competently and advocate at all levels of practice, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers’ need to understand their own attitudes and values toward PAS and pursue additional education around this ethical issue.
(Publisher abstract)
Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is explicitly legal in five states and by court decision in one. Legislative bills have been introduced in other states including Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This quantitative study was designed to understand Midwest, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers’ attitudes toward PAS, preferred terminology, perception of preparedness for the implementation, and awareness of PAS legislation in their state. Sixty-two social workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin completed an anonymous online survey. The results indicated that over one-half of the participants supported PAS legislation and is consistent with previous research on social workers across the country. While there was a range of perceived preparedness for implementation, a majority felt moderately to very prepared. Professional and personal values as well as professional experience influenced their perceived preparedness. Few social workers had accurate awareness of PAS legislation in their state or had attended workshops/events for further education or as a policy advocate. To practice competently and advocate at all levels of practice, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers’ need to understand their own attitudes and values toward PAS and pursue additional education around this ethical issue.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
social workers, suicide, attitudes, ethics, death, dignity, assisted dying, euthanasia;