Table 3 Examples of statements made by patients experiencing unmet needs

Need for life balance

"I know I've got to find a way to cope, but I just can't manage. I just don't have the strength any longer"

Need for connection

"I think that God has abandoned me";

"I am no longer able to paint and it was the painting that kept me in touch with the force that kept me going".

Need for values acknowledgement

"I'm just a number here. The staff doesn't know who I am."

Need to maintain control

"I don't know what I'm doing here in the hospital. Why hasn't anyone given me any medicine?"

Need to maintain identity

"My friends don't come and visit me; my family has no idea of what I'm going through here; I just don't know myself any longer."