Dignity in care: using images to find out what it means to student nurses

Photo-elicitation was used to explore student nurses’ perceptions of dignity. The decision to use photo-elicitation was guided by the complex nature of the concept of dignity and the need to bridge the gap between the participants’ perceptions and what they might be able to articulate. The literature suggests that photo-elicitation can help overcome a perceived need to say the “right” thing” and can evoke a more authentic and spontaneous response by connecting with the unconscious. Furthermore, images are thought to stimulate broader discussion and reduce the awkwardness of the research setting. This session will identify key findings in relation to student nurses’ perceptions of dignity and consider the strengths and limitations of photo-elicitation as a research method.