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Views concerning patient dignity among relatives to patients experiencing psychosis
Author(s) -
Skorpen Frode,
Thorsen Arlene Arstad,
Forsberg Christina,
Rehnsfeldt Arne
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of caring sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.678
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1471-6712
pISSN - 0283-9318
DOI - 10.1111/scs.12229
Subject(s) - dignity , honesty , viewpoints , psychology , psychosis , focus group , nursing , psychiatry , social psychology , medicine , family medicine , clinical psychology , sociology , art , political science , anthropology , law , visual arts
Background Mental illness influences not only the suffering patient but often changes family life forever and results in experience of reduced dignity for both patients and relatives. Aim The aim of this study was to reveal relatives’ opinions regarding what is important for taking care of patients’ dignity. Participants Thirteen relatives of patients experiencing psychosis were recruited through a relatives’ user organisation. Research design The methodological approach is Q methodology. A Q sample of 51 statements was sorted in a quasinormal distribution curve. Postinterviews were conducted with all participants. Results Four viewpoints emerged described as ‘value based’, ‘expectations’, ‘asymmetric’ and ‘nuanced’. Conclusion Focus on overarching values such as honesty and respect, to involve patients and relatives in care, by reducing asymmetry between patients and staff, with staff taking total responsibility for a patient's situation when needed, all represent aspects of taking care of patient dignity.