Patient Rights: Understanding and Protecting Patients

Amelia Roses (UNC2021-5678) Bachelor of Science in Nursing LECTURE NOTES: PATIENT RIGHTS (UNDERSTANDING THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS THAT NURSES MUST RESPECT AND PROTECT) Patient rights are a fundamental principle in nursing ethics. Nurses have a responsibility to understand and uphold these rights to ensure safe, quality, and patient-centered care. Definition of Patient Rights Patient rights refer to a collection of fundamental rights and freedoms individuals have within the healthcare context. These rights are designed to protect patients from abuse, ensure their autonomy in healthcare decisionmaking, and promote dignified and respectful care. Types of Patient Rights Some commonly recognized patient rights include: • Right to Information: Patients have the right to receive complete and accurate information about their health condition, treatment options, and associated risks and benefits. • Right to Consent: Patients have the right to agree to or refuse treatment after receiving adequate information. Consent must be given voluntarily, without pressure, and based on a sufficient understanding. • Right to Privacy: Patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality of their health information. Nurses must maintain patient privacy and only disclose information to authorized personnel. • Right to Quality Care: Patients have the right to safe, effective, and professional-standard healthcare. • Right to Respect: Patients have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, culture, or beliefs. • Right to Religious Freedom: Patients have the right to practice their religious beliefs as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others. • Right to Refuse Treatment: Patients have the right to refuse treatment, even if it's deemed necessary by the healthcare team. This decision must be respected, and patients must be assisted in understanding the consequences of refusal. • Right to Support Person: Patients have the right to be accompanied by their chosen person during care, such as a family member or friend. • Right to Access Health Information: Patients have the right to access their health information, including medical records and test results. • Right to Safety: Patients have the right to a safe environment free from harm during their care. Nurse's Responsibility Regarding Patient Rights Nurses play a critical role in protecting and upholding patient rights. Here are some nurse responsibilities: • Providing complete and accurate information to patients. • Obtaining informed consent from patients before procedures. • Maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality of health information. • Providing safe, effective, and professional-standard care. • Treating patients with respect and dignity. • Respecting patient's right to refuse treatment. • Facilitating patient's chosen support person to be present. • Assisting patients in accessing their health information. • Creating a safe and harm-free environment for patients. Applying Patient Rights in Nursing Practice Nurses should consistently apply patient rights principles in everyday practice. Here are some examples: • When providing information to patients, nurses should use easily understood language and ensure patients have the opportunity to ask questions and receive clarification. • Before performing procedures, nurses must explain the purpose of the procedure, associated risks and benefits, and available alternatives. • Nurses must maintain patient privacy by not discussing their health condition in front of others or without their consent. • Nurses must respect patient choices, even if they disagree with them. • Nurses must create a safe and comfortable environment for patients, including protecting them from abuse or discrimination. Understanding and upholding patient rights form the foundation of ethical and patient-centered nursing practice. Nurses have a responsibility to ensure patient rights are protected and respected throughout care. By understanding these rights and applying them correctly, nurses can contribute to high-quality and dignified care for all patients.