Abstract

Background Dignity-related psychological distress can often be unidentified and untreated within palliative care services. The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) measures the factors associated with an individual’s sense of dignity-related psychological distress. This study aimed to obtain staff members’ perspectives on the feasibility of utilising the PDI in a palliative care service in Wales. Method Seven experienced staff members were recruited from a Welsh Cancer and Palliative Care service. A thematic analysis of data collected via semi-structured interviews revealed three key themes and nine associated subthemes. Main findings The first theme was ‘Positive Outcomes and Uses’, which included three subthemes: Supporting Staff in their Clinical Practice, Patient Empowerment and Flexibility of Use. The second theme was 'Staff Concerns' that had two subthemes: Causing Distress and Confidence in Existential Conversations. The third theme was 'Barriers and Considerations to Implementation', which included Cultural Considerations, Staff Support and Length of the Measure. Conclusions The findings suggest that the PDI could be valuable to clinical staff in supporting the identification of dignity difficulties and/or distress among patients. However, steps should be taken to address barriers to successful implementation and increased staff training on the measure.

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