Table 2.
Dignity themes and subthemes identified in direct content analysis
| Dignity in care domain | Category | Subcategory | Participant response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illness-related concerns | Fear | Uncertainty |
I’m scared and very concerned that something is wrong I have dealt with so much in my life, and I am scared about what comes next |
| Pain/symptoms |
I am just so scared of suffering, I want the pain and anxiety controlled I’m not scared of dying but I’m afraid of the pain |
||
| Medications/therapies |
Don’t give me an injection I just don’t want to get addicted to pain meds |
||
| Dependence |
I don’t want to burden my family I am concerned about losing control of my life and of being a burden |
||
| Death |
I do not want to die I don’t like to stay in the hospital too long: it makes me think about hospice and scares me I don’t want to die trapped in a web of wires |
||
| Symptoms | Pain |
I would be in so much less distress if you treat my pain. I don’t think it’s even possible to be more comfortable I would really like to have my pain controlled because I feel like I am unable to do anything Normally I can handle pain, but this is unbearable |
|
| Other symptoms | I want my constipation controlled as it is causing me discomfort | ||
| The dignity-conserving repertoire | Identity | Good person/patient |
I am a pretty easygoing person That I am a very peaceful person, not selfish Everybody tells me I’m the sweetest guy in the world. I try to be as friendly as I can |
| Fighter |
I’m a fighter, a tough cookie I’m going to fight my brains out against this cancer. I’m also patient and can take a lot |
||
| Strong |
I’m an Irish bull I’m strong. I’m doing what I have to do |
||
| Optimist |
I am an awesome person… I love life… I love my family… I am a happy and active person and would like to maintain that as long as I can I am an upbeat person, bring sunshine around me and don’t hold grudges |
||
| Other identity | I am a very creative person and I am used to “doing” and “accomplishing”—I don’t know who I am without those things | ||
| Goals | Return to normalcy/recovery of function |
I’d like to get back to my usual regimen and get back to regular life It is important that I see my son conduct the orchestra as well as make it to my planned family vacation with good pain control |
|
| Avoidance of suffering |
I am happy for the time I have been given. I want to make sure my symptoms are as well controlled as possible though the end of my life. I want to die at home I just want to be comfortable. I’m a young guy, I may not look like it but I used to be really strong and now I’m just so weak |
||
| Quality of life |
I want as much quality of life as possible I want to preserve my quality of life for as long as I can |
||
| Independence |
I am learning to ask for help, but I am really a very independent person I am used to being independent. I want to regain control and be able to be comfortable for some period of the day in which I can plan activities that are important to me. I would like to go back to work |
||
| Home | I just want to go back home | ||
| Disease-directed therapy |
I have to have chemotherapy because I have two young children at home I just want to proceed with treatment Well, I’m pretty cut and dry. I want to live, I want more treatment |
||
| Survival/recovery |
I want to live That I am a person who wants to live That I wanna [sic] live. I wanna live life, go back to work, spend time with my family |
||
| Coping strategies | Religion/faith |
I have a very strong faith and know this is in God’s hands. All of this is happening for a purpose I am at peace because my soul is right with God I have a lot of faith, hope, and I want to be a fighter. I believe if I’m of positive mind, irregardless [sic] of what is there, try to think of a higher power |
|
| Humor |
I’ve been through a lot. But I still have a great sense of humor I tend to minimize my symptoms. I also use humor to help me cope |
||
| Acceptance |
I understand that I won’t survive this lymphoma I have had a good life, have grown up children and grandkids, I am in peace with dying |
||
| Distress |
I was a very functional person who was very active and enjoyed doing many things now I am having a hard time even picking up a tissue So much has happened in the past year… it’s been too much. I feel like my life is falling apart I want to get better. I’ve always been so compassionate to people and so kind to people. How could this happen to me? |
||
| Fatigue |
Let me die. I’m so tired of fighting this illness. I am so tired of suffering and pain. I’ve dealt with this illness for 20 years and before that, I worked 15 h a day to support my parents and disabled brother. I am so tired I want this to be done so that my family can move on |
||
| Social dignity inventory | Family/community |
I’m a grandma and need to get back to my life so I can be with my grandchildren My family is the most important thing; [My] sons and grandchildren are everything to [me] I have an 8-year-old son. I’m in so much pain, I can’t even help him with his homework My family makes sure I have no tension. My wife is also very cooperative. I try my best. I have 3 daughters who all act as my nurses and care for me much. I am here because of them |
|
| Care-related | Care needs | I need more help at home. I shouldn’t have to do this by myself and my family shouldn’t have to worry about me so much | |
| Communication preferences |
I am very matter of fact. I like plans and I like to be informed of my medical treatment plan and any changes taking place I’m easy going but I’ll ask a lot of questions. I want to be informed. Sometimes I check Google too much, but I make sure to verify what I know with my doctors I like honest and straight forward information, even if it’s bad |
||
| Non-response/other | Nothing | Nothing | |
| Uncertainty |
I don’t know I’m not sure, I just don’t like being in pain I don’t know. I would like to get my biopsy and get started on treatment |