Perceptions of dignity in home-dwelling patients with early-stage dementia through the lens of the Patient Dignity Inventory: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives

Dignity of patients with early-stage dementia (PwESD) is a core value of person-centered care. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention programs targeted at this population, a reliable tool that would measure dignity in PwESD is needed. Based on a qualitative analysis of how PwESD perceive and experience dignity, this study aims to determine the adequacy of the Czech version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI-CZ) for this patient population.

Method

The sample from two outpatient clinics in Czechia included home-dwelling individuals aged 60 years or older with mild dementia. In the first interview (T1), there were 21 respondents; 10 of whom participated in the second interview (T2) that was conducted after 12 months. The qualitative material was analyzed using a deductive approach based on the PDI-CZ domains.

Results

Thematic analysis shows that the PwESD thematized all domains of the PDI-CZ in their interviews and their views of dignity were stable over time. Some experiences were not considered in the PDI-CZ (such as lowered support of the society, lowered ability to advocate for oneself, or feeling of not suitable living conditions).

Conclusion

When developing a revised version of the tool, items that reflect missing views of dignity should be included.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• dignity
• qualitative research
• longitudinal study
• old age
• patient dignity inventory

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the older adults who participated in this study and generously shared their perceptions of dignity. The authors would also like to acknowledge the cooperation and support of family caregivers.

Ethical committee

Research was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Palacký University, Olomouc, the Czech Republic (UPOL-615/1040–2019).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic [Grant No. NU20-07–00100].