Dignity at the end of life in traditional Chinese culture: Perspectives of advanced cancer patients and family members

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the meaning of patient dignity at the end of life in traditional Chinese culture from perspectives of advanced cancer patients and their family members. Method: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 15 advanced cancer patients and 10 family members in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China between March and July 2019. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Dignity at the end of life in traditional Chinese culture were classified into four categories: (1) cultural specific dignity, including themes of stigma-free, moral traits and "face"; (2) self-related dignity, including themes of staying healthy and alive, living a normal life as a normal person, spiritual peace, personal value and privacy; (3) family-related dignity, including themes of concerns to the family, not being a burden to the family, and family support; and (4) care-and treatment-related dignity, including themes of being respected, high quality service and disclosure of information and consent-based decision making. Conclusions: Patient dignity at the end of life in traditional Chinese culture was relevant to the culture, the individuals, their family, and the care and treatment they received. Patient dignity is supposed to be supported by collaborative efforts from the family and healthcare professionals, and meanwhile taking patient's cultural background and personal wishes and values into account.