Person's perception of self-worth:
(1) Involve the patient in treatment and care decisions, respecting his or her choices.
(2) Provide information in an understandable and supportive manner.
(3) Pay attention and respond to needs and symptoms.
(4) Acknowledge and respect of the person's personal views.
Person's physical dignity:
(1) Encourage activities that enhance the person's sense of well-being or coping.
(2) Encourage the person's attention to personal appearance.
(3) Encourage rehabilitation and any items that can reduce disabilities, enhance mobility, etc.
(4) Ask permission to examine the patient.
Person's social dignity:
(1) Proper draping and door closure to maintain privacy during examinations.
(2) Treat the patient as worthy of honor, esteem and respect.
(3) Support the person's preservation of social role.
(4) Avoid discussion of confidential matters where they can be overheard by others.
Ready access to assistance and resources:
(1) Allow access to family and friends with liberal policies for visitation and rooming in.
(2) Encourage the patient's support network.
(3) Encourage participation in spiritual and/or cultural based practices.
(4) Refer for counseling or social services.
Facilitate handling of difficult topics:
(1) Encourage explicit discussions on advanced directives and terminal care, as appropriate.
(2) Encourage settling of affairs and funeral arrangements.
(3) Empathic listening, taking the time to be there.
