Dignity in healthcare services: Factors that impact dignified relationships based on a SRL

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to identify individual and organizational factors impacting dignified relationships between stakeholders covered in the literature and involved in health care, such as patients and health professionals. We propose a scheme of dignified healthcare services that can help managers diagnose the quality of those services regarding dignified relationships. Originality/value: This paper proposes a scheme for dignified relationships between patients and various healthcare professionals, considering individual and organizational factors impacting these relationships. The scheme aims to help managers diagnose the quality of the services. Design/methodology/approach: Following the PRISMA 2020 checklist, the results of the studies were mapped and summarised in the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EBSCO databases. The RSL protocol was developed and registered in INPLASY. A study quality guidance matrix (ROBINS-L) was designed to conduct the RSL. VOSviewer software was used for bibliometric analysis. Findings: The analysis of 235 studies from 1973 to 2023 produced three thematic groups: “patient-centered dignity,” “dignity and health professionals,” and “concepts,” conceptions of dignity in health.” The physical environment, staff attitudes, and the organization’s prevailing culture affect the ability to provide dignified care for highly dependent patients. These findings can guide carers and patients towards dignified health care.