Dignity Preservation Among Hospitalized Patient: A Case Study of Bugando Medical Centre, North-western Tanzania

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Dignity preservation is regularly emphasized as one of the basic patient rights in both national and international codes of ethics in medical practices. Therefore, it is important to explore this concept based on the patient's experience to maintain and respect their dignity, improve the quality of health services, and increase patient satisfaction in health care. This was a qualitative descriptive study in which 20 hospitalized patients were recruited. Purposive sampling was used to select study participants from wards of different departments of Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). Patients were interviewed about the experience related to the preservation of their dignity during their hospital stay. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study aimed to explore the experience of dignity preservation among hospitalized patients during their hospital stay. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of the data obtained from the interview. Patient-Provider relationship, patient involvement in medical care, Inadequate privacy and confidentiality, Accessibility and Affordability of health services. From the patient’s experience, human dignity needs to be preserved and maintained in hospitals. Respect for their privacy, confidentiality, and patient involvement in the medical care should be taken into consideration.