Serious illness challenges more than the body; it disrupts identity, dignity, and self-worth. The way people see themselves, whether patients, families, or professionals, affects their daily relationships and quality of life. This session explores the role of self-worth in serious illness and end-of-life care, highlighting how professionals across disciplines can help to restore dignity and affirm value through presence and authentic connection. Through story and experience-based reflection, participants will examine how self-worth influences decision-making and engagement in care, and how intentional responses can address gaps in communication and connection. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can apply immediately in their work to support patients, families, and colleagues, and to strengthen their own professional resilience in the midst of serious illness.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify ways that serious illness can disrupt a person’s sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth.  2. Describe how self-worth affects relationships and quality of life for patients, families, and professionals.  3. Apply strategies of presence and authentic connection to help restore dignity and affirm value in clinical and caregiving interactions.