Roghayeh Esmaeili
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: Dignity in elderly people: A concept analysis
Biography
Biography: Roghayeh Esmaeili
Abstract
Purpose: Nurses need to have knowledge about the concept of the elderly’s dignity in order to be able to perform proper supportive interventions. The exact definition of dignity, its components, and its characteristics are not yet a unique understandable concept for nurses. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the concept of dignity in the Iranian elderly in order to achieve a correct definition and understanding of this concept.
Method: This qualitative study of concept development used the hybrid model in three phases: theoretical phase, fieldwork phase and incorporation.
Results: The elderly’s dignity is a complex and dynamic mental state which results in the enhancement of inner feelings. It is affected by personal, family, and social factors. This concept is formed in relationship with others and guarantees the person’s health. The practical definition of the elderly’s dignity is related to the domains of dignity in this population, i.e. relative dignity, which originate from the culture and are subject to change. The characteristics of the elderly’s dignity include respect, integrity, independence and authority, privacy, unique support and participation in the self-care. For this characteristics to emerge, the predisposing factors and antecedents depend on the the person, family, and society.
Conclusions: Developing a clear image of dignity in health care services leads to better understanding of the concept among the practitioners on one hand and also improves the role of moralities in provision of the services.