Morrer com dignidade

Translated title of the thesis: Die with dignity
  • Patrícia Alexandra Nunes de Oliveira Sardinha (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The preservation of dignity as an objective in Palliative Care takes us far beyond symptom control, we touch on the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and existential aspects of the patient, as a terminal patient. The aspects, when addressed systematically throughout the process, allow for informed choices and end-of-liferesolutions. The objective of this project is to describe the fundamental factors considered by patients admitted to a Palliative Care Unit in Portugal, in promoting dignity as a terminal patient. As a methodology, this will be a qualitative observational cross-sectional study. The target population will be patients, adults admitted to a Palliative Care Unit, without cognitive changes, in full use of their abilities, exercising their autonomy and capable of giving their free, informed and informed consent. Data will be collected through the application of the Chochinov Dignity Inventory, semi-structured interviews and it will be analyzed qualitatively according to Bardain. The limitations/risks of this study are expected to be the worsening of the patient´s vulnerability,emotional lability and suffering due to the awareness of the elements presented as fundamental to their dignity. Investigations that involve the study of people in a fragile condition, due to their illness, even if inadvertently, can eventually mean a feeling of invasion of the Human person´s space. Confidentiality, the right to anonymity, respect for private life can be uncomfortable aspects for participants. As final perspectives we have the contribution to the development of nursing, allowing a practice based on the realizations of values of the person who is in a Palliative phase and based on the promotion of the best possible well-being, quality of life and respect for the wishes expressed by the patient. In the future, it is an objective of the main researcher to apply this same study to all Palliative Care Units in Portugal.
Date of Award18 Dec 2024
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorMara de Sousa Freitas (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Dignity
  • Palliative care
  • Chochinov
  • Autonomy of the person

Designation

  • Mestrado em Cuidados Paliativos

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