THE IMPACT OF STAFF BEHAVIOUR ON PATIENT DIGNITY IN HOSPITALS

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Baillie, Lesley PhD, MSc, BA, RGN

Lesley Baillie, PhD, MSc, BA, RGN, is principal lecturer, London South Bank University.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 103(34):p 30-31, August 21, 2007.

ABSTRACT

Baillie, L. (2007) The impact of staff behaviour on patient dignity in hospitals. Nursing Times; 103: 34, 30-31.

This article discusses the effect of staff behaviour on patient dignity and reports on a multimethod case study investigating this issue. Qualitative data was collected via interviews with patients and staff, participant observation and document examination. The results indicate that patient dignity is promoted when staff provide privacy and use interactions that help patients feel comfortable, in control and valued. Individual staff behaviour has a major impact on whether threats to patient dignity actually lead to its loss.