Patients' rights
Patients' Rights
Patients' rights (pronunciation: pay-shents rahyts) are the basic rules of conduct between medical professionals and patients. The term is derived from the Latin patientem (suffering) and the Old French droit (something that is due, legally).
Definition
Patients' rights encompass legal and ethical issues in the field of healthcare, which aim to protect a patient's dignity and autonomy in the healthcare context. They ensure that the care provided is beneficial to the patient, respects their will, and does not harm them.
History
The concept of patients' rights was first discussed in the international arena in the Declaration of Helsinki in 1964. It was later expanded upon in the United Nations' International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1966.
Types of Rights
Patients' rights can be divided into several categories:
- Informed Consent: The right to receive information about their medical condition, treatment options, risks involved, and to make decisions about their healthcare.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: The right to privacy and confidentiality in all matters related to their healthcare.
- Respect and Non-Discrimination: The right to be treated with respect and without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, or any other criteria.
- Access to Care: The right to access necessary healthcare services.
- Complaint and Appeal: The right to complain about care and to appeal decisions about health coverage or treatment.
Importance
Patients' rights are crucial in maintaining trust in the healthcare system. They ensure that patients are treated with dignity, respect, and that their autonomy is recognized and upheld. They also provide a framework for resolving disputes between patients and healthcare providers.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Patients' rights
- Wikipedia's article - Patients' rights
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