Maintaining Privacy and Dignity

Maintaining Privacy and Dignity

Nursing is a caring profession and part of our role is to maintain utmost dignity and privacy to our clients. National surveys done in NHS hospitals in the UK have identified patient concerns about the lack of dignity whilst in hospital. It is also observed in King Hamad University Hospital that somehow these are somewhat out of focus by nursing professionals. Issues have been centered on a lack of privacy, how we address people, how we treat people and how we communicate.  

PRIVACY 

Defined as the right of an individual to keep oneself and oneself information concealed or hidden from the unauthorized access and view (KHUH GH0006). It may include:

• The capacity to be physically alone
• To be free from physical interference, threat or unwanted touching
• To avoid being seen or overheard in particular contexts

DIGNITY

Defined as the quality or state of being worthy, honored or esteemed (KHUH GH0006)

 How to Promote Privacy and Dignity?

•   Client-focused care
•   Determining client preferences
•   Expanding client’s range of abilities
•   Promoting independence whenever possible
•   Promoting autonomy and involving clients in decision making
•   Being respectful, polite and courteous
•   Exhibiting an air of calm unhurriedness
•  Listening to clients and their families/loved ones and ensuring accurate understanding
•  Showing an interest in clients as individuals
•  Acknowledging client’s existence when attending to care needs
• Paying attention to the ‘little things’ such as providing a saucer with a cup of tea, providing a napkin with meals, replenishing the water jug without having to be asked, not providing washing facilities following toileting
• Providing an environment away from the earshot of others when discussing care needs with or about clients, thus maintaining confidentiality
• Single-sex care environments
• Ensuring that the environment of care remains clean and aesthetically pleasing
• Clean equipment and utensils
•  Adequate staffing and appropriate skill mix