Patient Rights

Abstract

The right to health and well-being is a fundamental right that influences all aspects of life. The most effective way for health care professionals to fulfill their obligations under the “right to health” approach is to ensure that they provide the highest possible standard of care while respecting the fundamental dignity of each patient. This entry is designed to give the reader a basic introduction to patient rights. It will focus on the doctor–patient relationship and present areas of greatest concerns. Patient rights are those basic rules of conduct between patients and medical caregivers, covering such matters as access to care, respect, communication, patient dignity, confidentiality, and consent to treatment. Patients have the right to be treated and dealt with in a humane and respectful manner. Health care providers are urged to pay careful attention to this vital aspect of clinical management; they must keep the welfare and the rights of the patient above any other consideration. Most countries outline fundamental elements of the doctor–patient relationship in their Code of Medical Ethics.