Theatre nurses’ perceptions of preserving patient dignity in the perioperative setting

Abstract

Background: Preserving patient’s dignity is a responsibility entrusted to nurses, more critically in the perioperative care context, where patients are often fully unconscious due to general anaesthesia. Despite this critical need, there is a notable scarcity of literature, both locally and internationally, on nurses' perceptions relating to dignity in the perioperative setting. Consequently, this study aims to delve into the experiences of operating theatre nurses in Malta concerning the preservation of patient dignity during the perioperative period. Design and Method: A qualitative descriptive exploratory approach was adopted. Data was collected by way of two audio-recorded focus group discussions with 10 operating-theatre nurses. Participants were purposively selected. The recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using NVIVO 14 software. Results: The four main themes emanating from the data were: ‘Personhood’, ‘Busy environment in the operating theatre’, ‘Professional Relationships’, and ‘Leadership and Management’. Participants highlighted differences in the perception of dignity between perioperative and ward settings, emphasising the heightened vulnerability of patients under general anaesthesia. Facilitators and barriers to preserving patients’ dignity were identified. While nurses’ own initiative and strong desire to uphold patients’ dignity were identified as key nurses’ strengths, time constraints and heavy workloads emerged as significant challenges. Conclusions: Although theatre nurses know what dignity means and ways on how to preserve, sometimes, they still find it difficult to preserve it because of barriers in the perioperative setting. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing perioperative care, professional education, hospital policies, and research. Clinical practice prioritises patient communication, individual preferences, and dignity maintenance. Professional education advocates integrating dignity-preserving principles into training. Hospital policies include clear commitments, defined standards, and advocacy programs. Research recommendations emphasise mixed-methods approaches and longitudinal studies to advance patient-centred care in perioperative settings.