Dignity and the Essence of Medicine: the A, B, C, and D of Dignity Conserving Care

Kindness, humanity, and respect are core values of medical professionalism, but they are at risk of being overlooked in the culture of modern health care. This article describes how careful attention to Attitudes, Behaviours, Compassion and Dialogue can support a patient’s sense of dignity, and why these core values should be embraced by anyone working with patients.