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Privacy / Dignity

Supporting the Patient’s Family as Death Approaches

Privacy/Dignity
Provide Privacy and Foster Dignity Provide privacy and time with the patient. This is especially challenging when the patient is in the ICU or in a semi-private surroundings.Consider the following strategies to foster privacy and dignity:

  • Draw the curtains to provide a private space.
  • Consider discontinuing intrusive and futile monitoring (DC pulse oximetry, IV fluids, telemetry, etc.).
  • Write orders to allow loved ones to visit 24/7 or stay at the facility (as possible).
  • Use gentle questioning to identify culturally driven family preferences and rituals and to avoid cultural faux pas.
Source: VJ Periyakoil, MD and Betty Wexler, RN, CNS

 
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