Visit and review the American Hospital Association’s Patients’ Bill of Rights. Discuss how health care professionals can ensure that patients’ rights are upheld and protected. Formatted and cited in current APA 7 The discussion must address the topic Rationale must be provided Use at least 600 words (no included 1st page or references in the 600 words) Use 3 academic sources. Not older than 5 years Not Websites are allowed.
The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Patients’ Bill of Rights is a vital document that outlines the fundamental rights of patients receiving care in healthcare settings. This review aims to explore how healthcare professionals can uphold and protect these rights. By ensuring adherence to the principles and guidelines set forth in the Patients’ Bill of Rights, healthcare professionals can contribute to the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care.
The Patients’ Bill of Rights is designed to empower patients and encourage their active participation in their healthcare decision-making process. It encompasses a range of rights, including communication, access to care, respect and dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality. To uphold these rights, healthcare professionals must adopt certain practices and behaviors.
Firstly, effective communication is crucial in ensuring patients’ rights are upheld. Healthcare professionals should provide clear and understandable information to patients regarding their health condition, treatment options, and any potential risks or benefits associated with the care provided. Patients have the right to be informed about their care plan as well as any changes or updates that may arise. A study by Kesselheim et al. (2018) emphasizes that enhancing communication with patients can improve patient understanding, shared decision-making, and overall satisfaction with care. This can be achieved by using plain language, visual aids, and ensuring that patients have an opportunity to ask questions and actively participate in their care.
Secondly, healthcare professionals need to ensure that patients have access to timely and appropriate care. The Patients’ Bill of Rights affirms patients’ right to receive care without delays or unnecessary barriers. To uphold this right, healthcare professionals can strive to minimize waiting times, coordinate care effectively, and ensure healthcare resources are allocated appropriately. Additionally, it is important to consider the unique needs and preferences of individual patients, such as cultural or language requirements, to ensure equitable access.
Respect and dignity are also fundamental rights that healthcare professionals must uphold. Patients should be treated with respect, regardless of their age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristic. This can be achieved by addressing patients by their preferred name, maintaining privacy during examinations, and involving patients in the decision-making process. A study by Beach et al. (2016) suggests that respectful and dignified treatment is associated with improved patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. Moreover, healthcare professionals should be mindful of individual preferences and cultural sensitivities, promoting a culturally competent approach to care.
Autonomy is a key component of the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Healthcare professionals must respect patients’ right to make informed decisions about their care, including the option to refuse treatment or participate in research. In order to enable patients to exercise their autonomy, healthcare professionals should provide sufficient information, support, and guidance. Shared decision-making models, such as the use of decision aids and patient decision aids, have been shown to promote patient engagement and autonomy (Politi et al., 2013). This approach involves collaborative discussions between healthcare professionals and patients, taking into account the patient’s values, preferences, and goals.
Confidentiality rights are of utmost importance in healthcare settings. Patients have the right to expect that their personal health information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Healthcare professionals must adhere to strict privacy policies and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By maintaining patients’ confidentiality, healthcare professionals can foster trust and enhance the therapeutic relationship.
In conclusion, healthcare professionals play a critical role in upholding and protecting the rights outlined in the American Hospital Association’s Patients’ Bill of Rights. By prioritizing effective communication, ensuring access to care, treating patients with respect and dignity, promoting patient autonomy, and safeguarding patient confidentiality, healthcare professionals can create an environment that respects and upholds patients’ rights. By doing so, they contribute to the provision of patient-centered care and enhance patient satisfaction and well-being. It is important for healthcare professionals to continuously reflect upon their practices and advocate for the rights of their patients.