Caring With Dignity Caring With Dignity: A Q-Methodological Study of Staff Metnbers ' Experiences in a Psychiatric Context

Abstract: We undertook three independent, but related, Q-l11ethodological studies on views of "dignity " fro111 the perspectives of patients, relatives, and staff in the context of a hospital-based 111ental-health setting. This article discusses the results frol11 the study al110n9 staff, focusing on their interpretation of the ter111 dignity in patient encounters. The follo\ving research question was asked: "Based on your experiences, what does the terl11 dignity lnean to YOll when caring for patients in a psychiatric ward?" Based on theoly and interviews, a Qsall1ple of 51 statel11ents was drawn fron} the concourse. Statenlents were sorted 011 a 1110st agree to 1110st disagree scale. Twenty-five staff lnelnbers responded and post-interviews took place with all participants. Results were analyzed using the PQMethod progral1l. Two different viev./points elnerged. In Viewpoint One, the focus is on the patient and on overarching values that prol11ote an idea that we are allllnique and equal individuals bllt also that, as IHI111ans, we are vulnerable. Viewpoint Two focuses on challenges staff face in 111aintaining patient dignity during patient encounters. An increased awareness of the opinions raised throllgh both viewpoints lnay help increase understanding all10ng staff, and thereby forll1 the foundation for upholding patients ' digl1it;y