Dignity encounters: the experiences of people with long-term illnesses and their close relatives within a primary healthcare setting

AIM: To describe the experiences of dignity encounters from the perspective of people with long-term illness and their close relatives within a primary healthcare setting. BACKGROUND: The importance of dignity as a concept in nursing care is well known, and in every healthcare encounter, the patient’s dignity has to be protected. METHODS: A purposive sample of 10 people (5 couples) participated in this qualitative descripted study. One person in each of the couples had a long-term illness. Conjoint interviews were conducted and analyzed with an inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three themes: i) Being supported by an encouraging contact; ii) Being listen to and understood; and iii) Being met with respect. Couples described being encountered with dignity as having accessibility to care in terms of being welcomed with their needs and receiving help. Accessibility promoted beneficial contact with healthcare personnel, who empowered the couples with guidance and support. Couples described a dignity encounter when healthcare personnel confirmed them as valuable and important persons. A dignity encounter was promoted their sense of feeling satisfied with the care they received and promoted safe care. Treated with dignity had a positive impact on the couples’ health and well-being and enhanced their sense of a good impression of the healthcare personnel within the primary health care. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare personnel must regard and consider people with long-term illnesses and their close relatives’ experiences of dignity encounters to gain an understanding that enables them to support their needs and to know that the care is directed toward them.