Table 3 PDI items considered to influence sense of dignity at the end of life by people with one or more advance directives from the Right to die-NL and people with a wish to live statement
From: Analysis of the construct of dignity and content validity of the patient dignity inventory
| Â | Range of distribution Mean (SD) | People with an advance directive from the Right to die-NL n = 1947%* | People with a wish to live statement n = 590%* |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical aspects | Â | Â | Â |
Not being able to independently manage bodily functions | 3.7 (1.3) | 73 | 41 |
Not being able to carry out tasks of daily living | 3.4 (1.3) | 58 | 28 |
Not being able to continue with usual routines | 3.1 (1.2) | 45 | 27 |
Experiencing distressing symptoms | 3.1 (1.1) | 37 | 31 |
Not being able to carry out important roles | 2.7 (1.2) | 29 | 19 |
Changes in physical appearance | 2.2 (1.1) | 12 | 18 |
Psychological aspects | Â | Â | Â |
Not being able to think clearly | 3.8 (1.2) | 73 | 53 |
Not being able to mentally fight | 3.6 (1.2) | 61 | 38 |
Feeling depressed or anxious | 3.3 (1.2) | 51 | 42 |
Not being able to accept things the way they are | 3.2 (1.3) | 45 | 36 |
Social aspects | Â | Â | Â |
Feeling a burden to others | 3.8 (1.3) | 74 | 50 |
Not being treated with respect or understanding | 3.4 (1.3) | 52 | 57 |
Feeling your privacy has been reduced | 3.2 (1.2) | 49 | 38 |
Not feeling supported by your community | 3.2 (1.3) | 43 | 48 |
Existential aspects | Â | Â | Â |
Feeling you do not have control over your life | 3.6 (1.3) | 67 | 38 |
No longer feeling like who you were | 3.5 (1.3) | 59 | 45 |
Feeling life no longer has meaning or purpose | 3.3 (1.4) | 58 | 33 |
Not feeling worthwhile or valued | 3.2 (1.3) | 43 | 44 |
Not having a meaningful spiritual life | 2.9 (1.4) | 33 | 41 |
Uncertainty regarding illness | 2.9 (1.2) | 31 | 33 |
Not feeling you made a meaning or lasting contribution | 2.6 (1.2) | 23 | 21 |