Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune mediated disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness, fatigue, pain, spasticity, impaired balance, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Its course is variable and there is no known cure.
The prevalence of MS in Canada is among the highest reported in the world (Gilmore et al., 2018). The complex symptomatology and care needs of people with MS results in them being high users of health care services who frequently interact with health care providers. Research suggest when these interactions are devoid of respect and empathy, patients feel disregarded, invalidated and dismissed (Pétrin et al., 2020). Arguably, such encounters erode one’s sense of dignity.
How can neuroscience nurses help conserve the dignity of patients with MS? Research examining patient dignity in palliative care has been conducted, providing an empirical basis for the provision of dignity conserving care (McClement et al., 2004; Thompson & Chochinov, 2008). The Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses Standards of Practice require nurses be aware of the interfaces between neurological conditions/disorders and other specialized areas of nursing practice such as Palliative Care.
Accordingly, drawing on palliative care research examining dignity in those with life-limiting illness, this presentation will: 1) provide an overview of the domains of an empirically derived model of dignity conserving care; 2) identify factors that bolster and undermine patient dignity; 3) demonstrate the application of the model of dignity conserving care to practice by proposing tangible nursing actions to support the dignity of MS patients during care encounters.
