Table 3 Synthesized categories: an overview of categories and subcategories with examples of condensed meaning units
From: A qualitative meta-synthesis of patient dignity from the perspective of caregivers
Category | Integrated person | “Rootedness” and “growth” atmosphere | Balanced state |
|---|---|---|---|
Subcategories | Autonomy preservation and role maintenance Spirituality concerns | “Homeness” physical environment and “belonging” and “positive meaning” psychological environment | Sense of certainty Sense of less guilt |
Condensed meaning units | Being significant by maintaining a normal life and participating in social life [36] Wanting to remain an individual with her/his demands [36] Desiring to be treated as a whole person even when terminally ill [36] Bolstering of dignity when being able to do something for themselves or others [39] Bolstering of dignity when being recognized as an individual separate from the illness [39] Toning down their needs [36] Independently caring for themselves to be considered as a person [33] Needing to preserve identity and integrity was important [37] Wanting to participate in life [36] No invitation or engagement leads to a dignity-depriving situation [20] Distress arises because of inability to perform everyday activities [39] Involving patients in advanced care planning strengthens their dignity [39] Being respected when being able to sustain their will to manage their life [32] Respecting the patient’s decision was the best way to express filial piety [39] Respecting the involvement of patients in decision-making enhanced patients’ values [34] Desiring to make decisions of daily life management even when terminally ill [37] Providing care without considering a person’s capabilities violates a patient’s dignity [38] Upholding and practicing spiritual beliefs for elevating strength [35] Seeking spiritual comfort and relying on the sovereignty of a higher power, e.g., a Buddhist patient [39] Regarding religious faith as spiritual needs [37] Having no opportunity to express religious belief [37] Respecting patients’ beliefs [34] Putting some money in a charity box to maintain dignity [34] | Preferring to have a room with a private bathroom [37] Preserving a clean and tidy environment [37] Decorating the room with familial equipment and creating a warm atmosphere promotes a feeling of dignity [38] Preferring to have a room with their furniture and belongings [37] Feeling more dignified when receiving care at home [39] Home gives feelings of warmth, coziness, and safety [32] Strong relationships with descendants were identified as a source of hope, meaning, and pride [39] Grandchildren and great-grandchildren bring immense love and joy into life [36] Feeling at home by being close to relatives and caregivers [38] Caregivers perform small acts to establish a close connection with patients [38] Eagerness to have close connections with family, friends, and staff [37] Focus on relationships and social networks [32] Close bonds with others create a feeling of value and strength [35] Contentment and expressing thankfulness strengthen the positive sense of self [39] Positive expression increases the sense of self-worth [33] Feeling that illness provides openness and intimacy in their relationship with family members [36] | Illness-related concerns affecting dignity [39] Insufficient information about disease and treatment affecting the sense of dignity [34] Medical uncertainty creating psychological distress [39] Distress caused by an inability to purchase certain medications [34] Experiencing high stress levels and psychological tension when diagnosed with a disease and lack of treatment and follow-up care information [34] Feeling confident after gaining knowledge about medical information [37] Needing treatment teams to reduce the uncertainty [34] High stress levels and psychological tension requiring counseling services [34] Providing necessary medical instructions shows respect for patient dignity [34] Needing biographical knowledge incorporated into the care plan [35] Excessive care stress harms dignity [39] Relieving the caregiver from the care burden causes less sense of uselessness [36] Desiring resources to relieve care burden [39] |