Visit http://www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/communicatingpts/pt-care-partnership.shtml 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.
Word limit 500 words . 2-3 references.Please make sure to provide citations and references (in APA, 7th ed. format) .
The American Hospital Association (AHA) developed the Patients’ Bill of Rights to outline the fundamental rights and expectations of patients receiving healthcare services. These rights encompass areas such as access to care, communication, privacy, autonomy, and involvement in decision-making. To ensure that patients’ rights are upheld and protected, healthcare professionals can take the following measures:
- Access to Care:
- Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients have equal and timely access to appropriate care regardless of their age, race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
- They should help patients navigate the healthcare system, provide information about available services, and assist in scheduling appointments.
- Communication:
- Healthcare professionals should establish effective and empathetic communication with patients, ensuring that information is conveyed clearly and in a language the patient understands.
- They should actively listen to patients’ concerns, answer their questions, and involve them in decisions regarding their care.
- Privacy and Confidentiality:
- Healthcare professionals must respect patients’ privacy and maintain confidentiality of their medical information, in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
- They should ensure that patients’ medical records are securely stored and only accessible to authorized individuals involved in their care.
- Informed Consent:
- Healthcare professionals should provide patients with relevant information about their diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- They should obtain informed consent from patients before any medical intervention and ensure that patients have the capacity to understand and make decisions about their care.
- Respect and Dignity:
- Healthcare professionals should treat patients with respect, empathy, and dignity, recognizing their cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
- They should promote a safe and supportive environment that preserves patients’ autonomy and allows them to participate in their care.
To further support the upholding and protection of patients’ rights, healthcare professionals can educate patients about their rights and provide written materials or resources to facilitate their understanding. They can also establish mechanisms for patients to voice their concerns or file complaints, and ensure a prompt and fair resolution.
References:
American Hospital Association. (2021). Patients’ Bill of Rights. Retrieved from https://www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/communicatingpts/pt-care-partnership.shtml
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).