According to American Hospital Association (2018), providing quality health care relies on a collaborative effort between healthcare practitioners and their patients. Healthcare professionals must maintain and safeguard the rights of patients. The Patient’s Bill of Rights mandates that healthcare professionals must uphold patients’ privacy rights. Healthcare professionals must ensure that all patient case discussions are conducted privately. The privacy of medical records is of utmost importance and must be upheld (Bani Issa et al., 2020). Disclosure of information is only permissible in situations such as suspected abuse or public health hazards, as required by law. Obtaining patient consent and ensuring their comprehension regarding disseminating their information is a crucial responsibility for healthcare professionals (AHA, 2018). Senteio and Yoon (2020) explain that this practice facilitates the establishment of trust and promotes patient comfort in disclosing sensitive information to their healthcare providers.
Moreover, healthcare practitioners must inform their patients of the complete range of care alternatives. According to AHA (2018), this entails providing individuals with information regarding the various services, treatments, and resources available to resolve disputes, grievances, and conflicts. Patients must be provided with comprehensive information regarding hospital policies and practices that pertain to patient care, treatment, and obligations. Additionally, patients must be informed of the fees for services rendered and the available payment options (Lee, 2019). Transparency fosters trust and guarantees that patients are comprehensively apprised, facilitating their ability to make well-informed decisions regarding their healthcare (Tringale et al., 2019).
Additionally, healthcare professionals must ensure that patients receive appropriate care on time. Kwame and Petrucka (2021) highlights the importance of thorough evaluation, service, and referral based on a case’s urgency. Patients must receive comprehensive information regarding the necessity, risks, benefits, and alternatives of any suggested medical treatment (AHA, 2018). Another important aspect of upholding patient rights is obtaining informed consent for treatment. According to Faggion Jr (2022), informed consent involves providing information, advice, and recommendations by a healthcare professional regarding available options and the associated risks and benefits of each option. It is imperative to allow patients to seek clarification and pose inquiries before making a decision (Anton et al., 2021). Before initiating any medical intervention, a healthcare practitioner must obtain informed consent from the patient, granting them the autonomy to decline or discontinue the treatment at their discretion (AHA, 2018).
Furthermore, it is within the patient’s right to receive the utmost efficient medical attention that the hospital can offer. Individuals are entitled to receive essential and timely medical attention as needed. In cases where it is deemed medically appropriate and legally permissible, patients may be transferred to alternative healthcare facilities as required (AHA, 2018). The patient must be provided with comprehensive information and a thorough explanation regarding the necessity, potential risks, advantages, and alternative options associated with the transfer. Finally, healthcare professionals must be mindful of any cultural, linguistic, religious, or other differences that could impact the treatment of their patients (Kaihlanen et al., 2019). Individuals must be aware of the requirements of individuals with disabilities and endeavor to ensure that they receive appropriate care that caters to their needs.
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