The meaning of respect: a First Nations perspective.
A qualitative study was conducted to explore the meaning of respect from the perspective of five Cree-Ojibway key informants. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews conducted in a First Nations community in northern Manitoba. Interviews focused on key informants' understanding of the meaning of respect, and their experiences of being treated with or without respect during clinical interactions. The qualitative analysis identified characteristics of respect and lack of respect that reflected the informants' experiences as First Nations persons interacting with Western health-care providers. The features of respect reflected ethical values related to equality, inherent worth, and the uniqueness and dignity of the individual. Findings highlighted the need for nurses to be cognizant of the sociopolitical context of interactions with First Nations patients. The preliminary descriptions of respect identified in this study provide a foundation for further analysis of the concept.