Abstract: Objective: To analyze the applicability of the Dignity Model for terminally ill patients on the perspective of Chinese culture, and to adapt the Dignity Model from the perspective of Chinese culture. Methods: Content analysis method was used in the study. Chinese and English databases were searched with the theme of dignity of terminally ill patients under the background of Chinese culture, and the literature were coded, summarized and analyzed within the framework of Dignity Model. Results: Most themes included in the Dignity Model fitted the perception of terminally ill patients in China, such as functional capacity, medical uncertainty, death anxiety, privacy boundaries, care tenor, burden to others, aftermath concerns, and so on; but there were several subthemes contradicted the Chinese perspective, such as endurance of suffering, autonomy, and so on. Meanwhile, three new subthemes emerged, including family supports, stigma, and financial concerns. Conclusion: The Canadian Dignity Model for terminally ill patients is not entirely consistent with Chinese culture, and the adapted dignity model is more culturally sensitive but needs to be further verified by empirical research.

Key words: dignified dying; Dignity Model; Chinese culture; hospice care