The meaning of dignity in care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in acute and intensive care

Abstract

Background: The pandemic Era has forced palliative care professionals to use a dignity-in-care approach in different settings from the classic ones of palliative care: acute and intensive care. We explored the meanings of dignity for patients, their family members, and clinicians who have experienced COVID-19 in the acute and intensive care setting.

Methods: A qualitative, prospective study by means of semi-structured interviews with patients hospitalized for COVID-19, family members, and clinicians who care for them.

Findings: Between March 2021 and October 2021, we interviewed 16 participants: five physicians, three nurses, and eight patients. None of the patients interviewed consented for family members to participate: they considered it important to protect them from bringing the painful memory back to the period of their hospitalization. Several concepts and themes arose from the interviews: humanity, reciprocity, connectedness, and relationship, as confirmed by the literature. Interestingly, both healthcare professionals and patients expressed the value of informing and being informed about clinical conditions and uncertainties to protect dignity.

Conclusions: Dignity should be enhanced by all healthcare professionals, not only those in palliative care or end-of-life but also in emergency departments.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dignity; Intensive care; Meaning; Palliative care.