Older People’s Voices Matter! Possibilities and Limitations for Providing Dignified Palliative Care with Wearable Devices

This study aimed to gain insight into the phenomenon of how wearable devices affect the sense of dignity of older patients (above 65 years of age) in palliative care settings using remote monitoring health services. Five interviews were carried out using reflective lifeworld research approach. A phenomenological analysis showed that the essence of older adults’ sense of dignity in palliative care is vulnerable and, therefore, at stake when using wearable devices for remote monitoring. This essence is reflected in the following constituents: a simultaneous sense of regained and diminished quality of life; mixed feelings ranging from strengthened self-identity and independence to vulnerability and dependence; shifting care responsibilities within the context of life’s finitude; and uncertainty about being valued, seen, and empowered while navigating relational expectations. The phenomenon was illuminated through the lens of various forms of dignity, offering insight into how it is experienced and challenged. These findings underscore the importance of recognising and addressing threats to dignity as digital health technologies continue to evolve in palliative care settings. Interprofessional collaboration among various stakeholders, including patients as active informants and participants, is necessary for designing future dignified remote care using wearable devices.