title: Valuing dignity in patients in a vegetative state on an intensive rehabilitation ward: improvement project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the causes that could hinder the provision of dignified care to patients in a vegetative state.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In Italy, the incidence and prevalence of people in a vegetative state are increasing. The team members have a clear understanding of the meaning of being mortal and the value of human dignity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive study design was used in an intensive care ward in Northern Italy. An anonymous list with negative factors must be drawn up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two team members participated in the study. A lack of time and specific knowledge regarding the care of patients in a vegetative state, involvement of the family and repetition in assistance delivery were the most frequent causes that hinder provision of care to patients in a vegetative state.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The provision of dignity for patients is not an issue related only to the staff in direct contact with patients/clients, but also concerns the entire health care facility (physical structure and organisation).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The nursing coordinator has an important role in the promotion of care based on the respect for the patient's dignity, in the active involvement of staff and in the delivery of quality services to users.
authors.affiliation: Long Term Rehabilitation Unit, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buchini
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Quattrin
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zampieron
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D028723:Personhood; D026712:Value of Life
keywords: care; dignity; intensive rehabilitation ward; vegetative state