Dignity in end of life care

Background Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, restore health and relieve suffering. However, when the patient transitions into end of life care, the goal is no longer to cure, but to relieve. End-of-life care is about seeing the patient and helping them move on by doing what favors the patients’ well-being. Aim The aim of this study was to describe how nurses can preserve the patients’ dignity in end of life care. Method This study is based on a method to contribute to evidence-based nursing with foundation in analysis of qualitative research. 7 qualitative and 2 articles with mixed methods were analyzed using a five step model described by Friberg. Results Through the analysis three main themes and five sub-themes were developed. The main themes were: Involving the patient, Preserving the patient’s quality of life, Seeing the patient. Conclusion Through the actions performed by the nurse, dignity can be preserved. By protecting the patients’ integrity and autonomy through a person-centered care, the best conditions for giving a worthy death are created