Chochinov HM, Hack T, Hassard T, Kristjanson LJ, McClement S, Harlos M. Lancet. 2002;360(9350):2026-2030.
This article describes a cross-sectional study of 213 dying patients, who were asked to identify the extent to which they can maintain their own sense of dignity. Although fewer than eight per cent reported significant loss of dignity, this perception was closely linked with psychological distress and symptom distress, heightened dependency needs, and loss of will to live.