End of life and dignity: an integrative review

Authors

Abstract

This article aimed to explore the meanings of dignity at the end of life from the perspective of health
professionals and to identify care actions that promote it. An integrative review was conducted between
March and April 2022, with nine articles selected from databases, all published since 2012. The results
indicated that dignity is related to valuing autonomy and that the conduct of health professionals,
the care environment, and therapies involving invasive treatments influence its promotion. Among
the actions taken by care professionals to foster dignity, the use of tools such as the Patient Dignity
Inventory in care planning was highlighted. The conclusion is that health professionals play a key role in
promoting autonomy—a fundamental element of dignity for people who are ill—and that both intrinsic
and extrinsic factors should be considered when planning care to ensure a good death.

Keywords:

Respect, Right to die, Health personnel, Terminal care

Author Biographies

Nataniele Kmentt da Silva, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis/SC, Brasil.

Nataniele Kmentt da Silva – Doutoranda – nataniele.kmentt.enf@gmail.com
0000-0001-9798-6547

Franciele Roberta Cordeiro, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas/RS, Brasil.

Franciele Roberta Cordeiro – Doutora – franciele.cordeiro@ufpel.edu.br
0000-0001-6194-5057

Vol. 33 (2025): Continued publication

Published:

2025-06-23

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420253767PT

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How to Cite

1.
Kmentt da Silva N, Roberta Cordeiro F. End of life and dignity: an integrative review. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 23 [cited 2025 Oct. 9];33. Available from: https://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/3767

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