A Delphi study to identify content for a new questionnaire based on the 10 Principles of Dignity in Care.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To generate content for a new questionnaire, based on the 10 Principles of Dignity in Care. BACKGROUND: Older people in hospital are vulnerable and at risk of harm, including indignity. The 10 Principles of Dignity in Care, which undergird the United Kingdom's Dignity in Care Campaign, have been used to promote dignified care for older people in hospital. A 2006 recommendation of the campaign was to survey people on their experiences of dignity in care. To undertake such a survey, a questionnaire based on the 10 Principles of Dignity is required. DESIGN: Qualitative methods based on a modified Delphi technique, assessed against the CREDES checklist. METHODS: A Delphi panel of experts was convened that included: consumers, carers, clinicians, academics, policy experts and representatives from the National Dignity Council in the UK, Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. RESULTS: Fifty-seven experts consented to participate, over the three rounds of Delphi panel deliberations (response rate: R1 n = 49, R2 n = 47 and R3 n = 44). The Delphi panellists were asked to rank, rewrite, relocate or remove items and suggest additional items, under each of the 10 Principles of Dignity in Care. The initial list of 93 items, generated from a review of the literature, existing questionnaires and drafted by the authors, was reduced to 87 items in Round 2 and 69 items in Round 3. CONCLUSIONS: A panel of experts were able to determine, based on their own judgement, and through consensus, the 69-items and response categories to be included in the patient and carer versions of the Dignity in Care questionnaire, to progress to a pilot study.

An exploratory study of dignity in dementia care.

BACKGROUND: Generally, a person with dementia may be unable to make decisions by themselves and professionals may decide what is best for them. Unfortunately, in most cases, professionals assist a person with dementia to make decisions without clear explanation or consent. Whether a person with dementia possesses dignity in routine care is an important issue. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of the healthcare professionals in providing dignified dementia care in Taiwan. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative, hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were enrolled by purpose sampling. Researchers performed in-depth interviews to reveal the essential ingredient of dignity within dementia care in Taiwan. A total of 20 cases were enrolled to achieve data saturation. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study was approved by the institutional review board. Before conducting the interview, interviewees provided informed consent. FINDINGS: There were three themes and six categories that were addressed and constructed; within the themes, 23 Guidelines for Taiwan Dignified Dementia Care and 12 Principles for Dignified Dementia Care in Taiwan were developed. DISCUSSION: From the data relating to dignity in dementia care, we can develop a more independent and dignified care environment to improve the quality of life of person with dementia in Taiwan. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dignity within dementia care was constructed by the lived experience of the healthcare professionals, as well as affected by the culture of the organizations and society at the same time.