Journal of Historical Research, Law and Policy 3115-7505 1 Serial Number 1 2023 01 01 Dimensions of Dignity in State-Provided Healthcare: A Qualitative Study of Patient Narratives Dimensions of Dignity in State-Provided Healthcare: A Qualitative Study of Patient Narratives 11 21 EN Journal Article 2022 11 11 <p>This study aimed to explore how patients receiving care in state-provided healthcare settings in Tehran experience and define the concept of dignity during medical encounters. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, this study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants who had received care in public healthcare facilities in Tehran within the past six months. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in gender, age, educational background, and treatment type. Interviews were conducted in Persian, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The data collection process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The analysis followed a multi-stage coding process including open, axial, and selective coding to identify core themes related to patients' dignity experiences. Analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Respectful Communication—including active listening, clarity, and nonverbal cues; (2) Autonomy and Decision-Making—comprising informed consent, shared decision-making, and privacy; (3) Institutional Practices—encompassing physical environment, waiting time, bureaucracy, and treatment equality; and (4) Emotional and Psychological Safety—relating to empathy, emotional support, and minimization of shame. Participants described dignity as a multidimensional experience shaped by both interpersonal interactions and systemic healthcare conditions. Breaches in dignity were often linked to communication failures, lack of choice, and structural inefficiencies. Dignity in public healthcare is deeply relational and context-dependent, influenced by provider behavior and institutional structures. Ensuring respectful communication, supporting patient autonomy, improving institutional processes, and fostering emotional safety are critical to delivering dignity-preserving care in state-provided systems. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and administrators aiming to enhance the quality and humanity of public health services.</p> https://www.jhrlp.com/index.php/jhrlp/article/download/2/2