Views concerning patient dignity among relatives to patients experiencing psychosis.
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.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to reveal relatives' opinions regarding what is important for taking care of patients' dignity.


METHODS
Thirteen relatives of patients experiencing psychosis were recruited through a relatives' user organisation.


METHODS
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'.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Faculty of Health Education, Stord/Haugesund University College, Stord, Norway.|Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Frode
F
Skorpen
Center for learning Environment, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
Arlene Arstad
AA
Thorsen
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Christina
C
Forsberg
Faculty of Health Education, Stord/Haugesund University College, Stord, Norway.
Arne
A
Rehnsfeldt
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000469:parasitology*; D055815:Young Adult
Q methodology; dignity; psychosis; relatives; suffering