The impact of urological conditions on patients’ dignity

There is increasing emphasis on patients’ rights to dignity. However, studies indicate that patients are vulnerable to a loss of dignity in hospital. There is a dearth of research focusing on the dignity of patients with urological conditions and this study aimed to explain how urological conditions affect patients’ dignity and how patients’ dignity can be promoted when threatened. The research design was a qualitative case study based in a urological ward in the United Kingdom. Four‐hour episodes of participant observation were conducted on 12 separate days, each focused on one patient’s care. Following observation, the 12 patients were interviewed in the ward. Interviews were conducted with a further 12 patients following discharge. Data were analysed using the framework approach. Patients’ urological conditions threatened dignity because of the intimate area of the body affected and accompanying bodily exposure. Urinary catheters and associated procedures were considered threats to dignity. Staff promoted dignity by providing privacy and using therapeutic interactions. Patients promoted their own dignity through rationalization and humour. Where they viewed loss of dignity was inevitable, adopting an attitude of acceptance made patients feel more comfortable. Patients could rationalize their situation better when with other patients with urological conditions who were ‘in the same boat’. In conclusion, patients with urological conditions are particularly vulnerable to a loss of dignity in hospital but staff behaviour and patients’ attitudes can promote dignity in these situations.