Protecting patient rights involves adhering to the rules, principles, and laws that ensure patients’ safety, dignity, confidentiality, and awareness in the process of receiving medical care. These rights are the foundation of the relationship between patient and medical personnel and a crucial part of the modern healthcare system.
The patient has the right to receive complete and understandable information about his or her health condition, diagnosis, treatment alternatives, risks, and expected outcomes.
A patient’s personal and medical information is confidential and may only be disclosed with the patient’s consent or in cases specified by law.
Patients should be treated with dignity, respect and equality, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious beliefs or social status.
The patient has the right to choose, accept or refuse a proposed treatment or procedure, including obtaining a second opinion from another doctor.
The patient has the right to receive emergency medical care that is necessary for his or her life and health in an emergency situation.
The patient has the right to participate in all decisions regarding his or her health.
Patient safety means receiving services with minimal risk of medical errors and possible complications.
Protecting patient rights is important both for their well-being and for increasing public trust in medical institutions and the healthcare system.