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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 6/2020

01-06-2020 | Cytostatic Therapy | Original Article

Qualitative study on perceived dignity of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in China

Authors: Jinnan Xiao, Ka Ming Chow, Carmen WH Chan, Minjie Li, Ying Deng

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 6/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Safeguarding the perceived dignity of cancer patients has been recently attracting attention, but its development is constrained by the ambiguous construct of dignity. This study aims to describe the perceived dignity of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy on the basis of the dignity model and to provide insights into the promotion of dignity-conserving care in China.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was conducted with face-to-face, semi-structured, and individual interviews. Consecutive sampling of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a public hospital was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were performed by a registered nurse with experience in palliative care research. Data were analysed using the framework method with inductive and deductive approaches.

Results

Twenty patients aged 28–70 years old completed the interviews. Perceived dignity themes were classified into three categories, namely illness-related concerns, dignity-conserving repertoire, and social dignity inventory. In comparison with the dignity model, social dignity inventory had two added themes: communication openness and financial burden. These themes affect the perceived dignity of Chinese patients.

Conclusions

The perceived dignity of patients can be affected by various issues, including illness, personal attitudes and practices and social environments. Culture and economics considerably affect the construct of dignity among the Chinese population. Family-oriented approaches are recommended to create an environment where patients feel valued, respected and supported. This method will help cancer patients adapt to the changes brought on by their illness and maintain dignity.
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Metadata
Title
Qualitative study on perceived dignity of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in China
Authors
Jinnan Xiao
Ka Ming Chow
Carmen WH Chan
Minjie Li
Ying Deng
Publication date
01-06-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 6/2020
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-05123-2

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