SCIE Practice guide 09: Dignity in care

Dignity challenge

1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse

By this we mean:

Respect for dignity is seen as important by everyone in the organisation, from the leadership downwards. Care and support is provided in a safe environment, free from abuse. It is recognition that abuse can take many forms including physical, psychological, emotional, financial and sexual, and extend to neglect or ageism.

Dignity tests:

• Is valuing people as individuals central to our philosophy of care?
• Do our policies uphold dignity and encourage vigilance to prevent abuse?
• Do we have in place a whistleblowing policy that enables staff to report abuse confidentially?
• Have the requisite Criminal Records Bureau and Protection of Vulnerable Adults List checks been conducted on all staff?

Some ideas from practice:

• Addenbrooke’s: anticipating concerns before they become complaints
• How West of Cornwall PCT gauged patient satisfaction
• Developing a privacy and dignity policy for Guildford and Waverley PCT
• Assessing standards: Dorset and Somerset SHA’s audit tool
• Dignity and Respect Training Project (John Coupland Hospital, Lincolnshire Teaching Primary Care Trust)

Previous: Dignity challenge
Next: Dignity challenge 2