Proxy evaluation of dignity expectations and satisfaction of older patients with dementia by family members and nurses

Nurs Open. 2021 Nov;8(6):3120-3134. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1024. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Abstract

Aim: Develop a proxy evaluation questionnaire for patients' family members and nurses to evaluate dignity expectations and satisfaction of patients with dementia.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Method: A proxy questionnaire draft was prepared with 30 items on expectations for dignity and 23 items on satisfaction with dignity. And administered to three paired groups: 81 older patients with intact cognitive function, 75 family members, and 77 nurses.

Results: 18 of 30 items and 21 of 23 were correlated between patients and their family members' responses on dignity expectations and satisfaction, respectively. When limited to nurses with clinical experience of ≥20 years, there were significant correlations between patients' and nurses' responses (p < .05). Exploratory factor analysis of patient's responses to significantly correlated items extracted 3 factors with 13 items of expectations for dignity but no factors of satisfaction with dignity. Using a questionnaire provides insight for proxy evaluation of expectations for dignity.

Keywords: dementia; dignity; ethics; geriatric nursing; proxy evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dementia*
  • Family
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Nurses*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Respect