"I will fight, but I am outsider" – dignity of man with multiple sclerosis: Interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Dignity is one of the most important phenomenon in healthcare practice (van Gennip et al., 2013; Jacobson, 2012). There are several theories like Jacobson (2012) or Nordenfeld (2009) describing patients’ dignity in context of healthcare. These theories show that dignity is not only moral value but also vital phenomenon of people lived experience connected with someone’s identity, integrity and social life. Jacobson (2012) in General theory of dignity distinguishes two basic dimensions of dignity: Human dignity and Social dignity. Human dignity is the abstract, universal value that belongs to every human being, does not matter on concrete condition and situation. Social dignity is divided to Dignity-of-self based on quality of self-respect or self-worth and identity and Dignity-in-relation based on ways in which respect and worth are conveyed through expression and recognition. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is unpredictable neurodegenerative diseases with dramatic impact on patient’s life. The presence of a wide range of symptoms and their deterioration causes the disability and a gradual dependence on help and care, which has also significant impact on dignity of the people with MS (Lohne et al., 2010). From this point of view, there is a necessity for health caregiver to realise how people with MS understand their own dignity.