Protecting patient rights is fundamental to establishing a sound relationship and trust between healthcare professionals and diverse patient populations.
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Protecting patient rights is fundamental to establishing a sound relationship and trust between healthcare professionals and diverse patient populations. The American Hospital Association Patients’ Bill of Rights outlines the fundamental rights of patients regarding their care. Upholding these rights is essential to providing quality care. Understanding how healthcare professionals can ensure that patient’s rights are upheld and protected is fundamental. Therefore, they can uphold and protect patients’ rights outlined in the American Hospital Association Patients’ Bill of Rights by providing transparent communication, respecting patient autonomy, and creating welcoming environments.
Patients have a right to ask questions about their health. They should also enquire about treatment to understand what to expect during their stay in the hospital. Healthcare professionals can ensure transparent communication by being honest and open with patients about their condition, risks, and prognosis (Yanovska et al., 2019). For instance, they can provide patients with adequate information about the care they are receiving and its risks and benefits. They can also improve their availability to ensure that they answer patients’ questions and address their concerns promptly and professionally (Househ et al., 2018). Healthcare professionals can ensure that they present information in a way that is understandable to patients.
Healthcare professionals can also uphold and protect patients’ rights by respecting patient autonomy. For instance, they should respect the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their health. Patients should be involved in decision-making and allowed to make their own choices (Yanovska et al., 2019). Healthcare professionals should also honor the patient’s right to refuse recommended treatment if they choose. They can allow patients to access their medical records (Peterson, 2022). Healthcare professionals can uphold patients’ rights by understanding their goals, values, and beliefs.
Patients have a right to be treated by medical professionals that respect their confidentiality and privacy. In this regard, healthcare professionals should protect the privacy of their patient’s health information to help them protect and uphold their rights (Yanovska et al., 2019). For instance, they can ensure that their patient’s data is stored safely and restrict its access to authorized personnel. Healthcare professionals should also be aware of the laws and regulations associated with patient privacy and confidentiality (Househ et al., 2018). They should follow the regulations when providing care.
Healthcare professionals can uphold and protect patients’ rights by providing quality care and creating a safe and welcoming environment. They can strive to provide a physically and emotionally safe patient environment, free from discrimination or harassment (Yanovska et al., 2019). In addition, they should focus on providing a supportive and compassionate atmosphere where patients are treated with dignity and respect. Healthcare professionals should ensure that they provide high-quality care tailored to patients’ needs (Househ et al., 2018). They should consider the patient’s preferences and wishes and provide the best treatment for their condition.
Protecting and upholding patients’ rights are paramount to ensuring patient safety, autonomy, and trust in the healthcare system. These strategies can help safeguard patients from abuse and exploitation. Care acts and bills prevent healthcare providers from discriminating against patients based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Health facilities can create trust between patients and healthcare providers by adhering to health laws. Healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive equitable, safe, and quality care. Healthcare organizations should implement training programs to help medical professionals understand patients’ rights.
References
Househ, M., Grainger, R., Petersen, C., Bamidis, P., & Merolli, M. (2018). Balancing between privacy and patient needs for health information in the age of participatory health and social media: A scoping review. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 27(01), 029-036. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1641197
Peterson, K. (2022). Informed refusal. Nursing, 52(9), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000853984.71390.98
Yanovska, O. H., Horodovenko, V. V., & Bitsai, A. V. (2019). Legal mechanisms of patient’s rights protection. Wiadomości Lekarskie, 72(12). https://doi.org/10.36740/wlek201912201
