Promote Dignity in Palliative Care Nursing Education using a narrative pedagogical approach

The education of nursing students encompasses the transmission of knowledge and clinical skills, as well as values, attitudes, and behaviors. In palliative care, it is imperative to uphold and safeguard individuals' dignity. We aimed to explore senior nursing students’ perceptions of dignity in care using a narrative approach. Reflection prompts were designed using the ABCDs dignity in care model. Audio recording reflection entries from 18 students were collected and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) being transformed; 2) the power of narrative to expose personal vulnerability; and 3) connection and detachment in EoL. Our findings indicated that reflection on personal dignity enhances comprehension, fosters the humanization of care, and facilitates acts that can uphold the dignity of patients.