Dignity In Care

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The main purpose of the essay is to look at the meaning of privacy and dignity in the modern healthcare practice and discuss the application of those principles in midwifery practice. The thesis will also explain the importance of privacy and dignity and the reasons for promoting the application of those values in care.

There is no specific legislation covering privacy and dignity issues, however, these are underpinned by various policies. Department of Health (2015) honouring human rights states, that every person has a right to be treated with respect, dignity and privacy and has the right to expect that their personal information is kept confidential and secure. NHS staff are responsible for approaching patients respectfully, moreover, …show more content…

A national Dignity Survey conducted in 2013 reveals that majority of women are satisfied with the quality of care they experienced during childbirth, however, women who gave birth in the hospital reported less respectful approach than those using birth centres or delivering in home settings. Furthermore, survey exposed that midwives struggle to define dignity in relation to privacy and try to emphasize human rights values in their practice when facing many challenges (Prochaska, 2013). According to Morad et al (2013), these challenges are excessive use of medication and technology in labour, retaking woman’s autonomy and institutionalised approach. Community settings are seen as less institutionalised, more supportive and promote dignified approach (MacLellan, …show more content…

Women in pregnancy, during childbirth and in the postnatal are subject to many intimidating procedures involving nudity and being exposed. As they need care and prioritise baby’s needs this makes them temporarily vulnerable and could result in loss of autonomy, lack of control and rendering all responsibility in the hands of midwives (MacLellan, 2014). The biggest issues are around vaginal examination when woman feel embarrassed and put on display, even frustrated when a midwife lacks communications skills to explain the rationale and the course of action. Some women even perceive it as a demonstration of power and an attempt at taking control over the labour (Stewart,

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