Attitudes towards dignity of risk in older people: A survey following a short narrative film

Australas J Ageing. 2021 Sep;40(3):317-322. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12910. Epub 2021 Feb 14.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate aged care staff's 'willingness to help an older person with risk-taking activities' that improve quality of life ('dignity of risk').

Methods: Opportunity-based cross-sectional anonymous electronic survey in four Australian jurisdictions, conducted immediately after screening a short animated narrative film describing 'dignity of risk'. Survey comprised nine questions including respondent demographics, professional role, risk-taking and outcome.

Results: From 24 separate screenings, there were 929 respondents. Agreement to 'help an older person with risk-taking activities' was associated with respondent prediction of the least severe harm occurring (OR = 2.22 [1.20, 4.12], P = .001). Conversely, respondents in non-executive, non-managerial roles-that is, nurses and care workers-were unlikely to agree to help with risk-taking activities (OR 0.36-0.49, P ≤ .03). There was not an association with respondent's age grouping (P = .6).

Conclusion: Staff self-reported attitudes towards dignity of risk are important to understand to enhance in an older person's quality of life.

Keywords: ageing; dignity; health education; motion pictures; risk-taking.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Australia
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life*
  • Respect*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires