Calnan M, Dieppe P, Woolhead G, Tadd W; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2005 : Boston, Mass.).
Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2005; 22: abstract no. 3526.
MRC Health Services Research Collaboration, Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2PR Tel. +44 (0)117 928 7342 Fax +44 (0)117 928 7236
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To examine older peoples beliefs and experiences of dignity. To examine providers beliefs about dignity and dignified care and to identify the barriers to the provision of dignified care STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative methods (focus groups) with purposive samples of older people and providers. Fifteen focus groups (n=77) were carried out with older people from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, different ages and states of health and different living circumstances. Twelve focus groups (n=52) were carried out with providers (doctors, managers, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers). POPULATION STUDIED: Older people (aged 65+) and providers of care (health and social) for older people in a city in the West of England. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Dignity was important to both older people and providers but was easier to talk about in its absence (lack of dignity)Older people emphasised dignity or the loss of it in terms of threats to personal identity and independence. This manifested itself in terms of lack of privacy, poor communication and lack of personalised care. Providers emphasised the need for dignified care but there was a gap between what should be done and the reality of practice. Obstacles to dignified care included lack of awareness, lack of training and guidelines, organisational and resource constraints CONCLUSIONS: The need for dignity in care is seen to be important for both older people and providers. However, the ability to meet the needs of older people is severely limited by professional and organisational factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Dignity and particularly concerns about identity and independence should be a key element in quality standards and training for providers, in health and social services.The issue of institutional ageism in health care should be addressed.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Communication
- Culture
- England
- Focus Groups
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- Personal Autonomy
- Prejudice
- Social Behavior
- ethics
- methods
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103622989
From Meeting Abstracts