Promoting the Dignity of Patients in Perioperative Practice (Clinical Feature) (Report‪)‬

Introduction Reeves et al (2002) found that being treated with dignity and respect was one of the most important priorities for patients. Other studies have indicated that patients who perceive they are treated with respect and dignity are happier with their overall hospital experience (Joffe et al 2003) and are more satisfied with their care (Beach et al 2005). In recent years, UK health policy has increasingly recognised that the quality of patients' experiences is important. In 2006, the Department of Health (DH) launched a Dignity in Care campaign (DH 2006a) which remains ongoing and is aimed at all health and social care organisations. The campaign included the 'Dignity Challenge' (see Box 1) which is as applicable to perioperative care settings as anywhere else.