Würde bei unheilbarer Erkrankung – Würdeverlust und Leiden am Lebensende begegnen

Abstract

How can we act in a dignity-oriented way when we usually only have an abstract idea of dignity? How can we fundamentally strengthen dignity so that we do not focus on it in a deficit-oriented way only when the sense of dignity is threatened?Looking at the concept of dignity in the health care system can be done from two angles: First, we can direct our gaze to abuses, violations of dignity, and rightly become outraged about it. Moreover, we have gained collective experience of dignity violations through the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to experience this. The second focus is on enhancing the dignity, dignified, and dignity-oriented aspirations of people working in the health care system. The following article is intentionally devoted to this second view, opening up possibilities for dignity-strengthening care in the health care system. In doing so, we draw substantially on the research and interventions developed by Harvey M. Chochinov and his research team from Canada. The article offers an overview of theoretical foundations, food for thought for self-reflection, and action aids for practical application.