Showing 27 results for Patients
Mansureh Madani, Ensieh Madani,
Volume 6, Issue 5 (12-2013)
Abstract
Patient's refusal of treatment is the rational consequence of informed consent and is considered among the patient's rights but can lead to patient harm or harm to others, or damage to the health care system. Major ethical challenges in the field of treatment refusal arise from capacitated patients. This paper mainly examines theoretical issues related to this group by reviewing books on jurisprudence, philosophy and bioethics, especially textbooks that include moral philosophers' perspectives, the views of experts in bioethics and jurisprudential considerations related to this issue. These views sometimes are very different or in conflict with each other. Based on different schools of philosophy or ethics, our encounters with patients who refuse treatment can range from abandoning patients on the one hand to treating them at any cost, even by coercion or deception on the other hand.
According to Islamic perspectives, people have no right to harm themselves, but because of the authority that each person has on his or her body, this does not mean that compulsory treatment is permitted it means that caregivers must try to persuade patients to accept treatment, and must not cooperate with them to harm themselves and to discontinue treatment specifically.
Mohammad Jalali, Ahmad Nasiri, Heidarali Abedi,
Volume 7, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract
Breaking bad news to patients and their families is an important issue in health care services. Since access to information is among the basic rights of the patient, investigating the experiences of patients and their families after receiving bad news can make the process more purposeful and prevent unnecessary suffering. This study aimed to describe the experiences of patients and their families after hearing bad news from health providers.The present study was conducted with a qualitative, phenomenological approach. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from people who had the experience of receiving bad news during 2013 in Birjand, Iran. The sampling process continued up to the point of data saturation, which reduced the number of participants to 10. Note-taking was used to complete the data collection process. In this study Colaizzi's method was used for data analysis, while robustness of the study was assessed based on the criteria of precision.The subjects were between 25 and 70 years of age. First, according to Colaizzi's Method, 280 codes were obtained which were the same as the developed concepts. At this point, the code lists were extracted. Different thematic categories with similar meanings were placed in 5 thematically larger groups as follows: 1) tension at the beginning of the encounter, 2) adaptive responses, 3) spiritual relief, 4) family crises, and 5) seeking support.Patients and their families showed different reactions upon receiving bad news. The study showed that health providers can contribute to a better adjustment of patients and families and promote peace by acquiring a methodical approach while delivering bad news. This can be achieved by identifying the reactions, confusions and tensions, as well as introducing adaptive or supportive resources to patients and their families.
Behzad Foroutan, Moussa Abolhassani, Sajad Salehipour, Adnan Karimi, Fariba Dehghanizadeh, Nastran Rezvani, Mohammad Soltani Beldaji,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (11-2015)
Abstract
Ethics is important in all professions, particularly in nursing, since morality and commitment in nurses can play a significant role in improving patients’ health and recovery. The nursing profession is therefore rooted in ethics, and the observance of nursing ethics is more important than other aspects of health care. This study aimed to determine patient's views on standards of professional ethics in nursing practice in Imam Hussain Hospital during 2015.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 575 patients in different wards of Imam Hussein Hospital in Shahroud. Research instrument was a 22-item questionnaire designed by the researchers to evaluate nurses’ observance of professional ethics in the three dimensions of accountability, improvement of care quality, and respect for patients. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20 software.
The mean age of participants in this study was 51.32 (± 19.03), and 299 participants (52%) were male. The mean total score of professionalism was 18.38 (± 2.74), and the relationship between age and observance of professional ethics was statistically significant (P = 0.006).
According to the subjects of this study, the nurses’ observance of professional ethics was relatively good and at a desirable level. It is recommended to utilize a variety of learning styles and employ the services of professors of nursing ethics in order to enhance the quality of nursing education with respect to professional ethics.
Maryam Gholami, Marziye Khojastefar, Hossein Moravej, Zahra Kavosi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Observation of patients’ rights as a major component in defining the standards of clinical services can increase patient satisfaction and is an important indicator of health care quality. Since most hospital patients are admitted through the emergency department, this study was conducted to investigate the observance of patients’ rights in the emergency department of Nemazee Hospital during 2015.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 patients over a period of one month. Data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and statistical tests including descriptive statistics and inferential analysis.
The mean of the patients’ age in this study was 54.4 ± 19.35. Based on our findings, the overall level of observing patients’ rights was 51%, while patients’ expectations were 93%. Moreover, there was a meaningful difference between observance of the patients’ rights and their expectations in all aspects based on the paired sample t-test (P<0.05). It was also established that age was one of the factors affecting observance of patients’rights (P<0.05).
In this study, observation of patients’ rights in the emergency department was at the intermediate level, while patients’ expectations were higher in comparison.
In order to promote patient satisfaction, it seems necessary to educate the personnel and medical students on patients’ rights by holding workshops, reducing the waiting time for receiving services, and establishing an order in the system based on the patient’s condition.
Zahra Rafee, Alireza Bibak, Somaie Hoseinee, Farzan Azodi, Faezeh Jahanpour,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Nurses comprise the largest group of service providers in the health system and have a significant impact on health care quality; therefore, ethical practice is of greater importance in the nursing profession compared to other fields of care. The present study was conducted to evaluate patients’ views on nurses’ observance of professional ethics in training hospitals of Bushehr during 2015.
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed on 208 patients hospitalized in teaching hospitals of Bushehr selected by convenience sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and questions about ethics of the nursing profession. Validity and reliability of the data collection tool were approved. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient using SPSS version 18.
The results showed that 94.6 percent of the patients evaluated the nurses’ observance of professional ethics as good, 4.4 percent as moderate and 1 percent as poor. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between the independent variables of age, gender, marital status, education level and history of hospitalization ward in the patients, and their views on nurses’ observance of professional ethics.
Somayeh Mohammady, Fariba Borhani, Mostafa Roshanzadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (1-2017)
Abstract
Nursing is an ethical profession and nurses are responsible for patient care. In providing healthcare services, patient right is an important issue to consider. However, not only the awareness the patient right is important but also moral sensitivity to ethical decision-making is crucial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between moral sensibility and attitude towards patients' rights. A descriptive-analytic study was used and 194 nurses working in intensive care units in hospitals affiliated to medical university of South Khorasan province were selected by convenience sampling method. The data collected through a questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1) demographics 2) the moral sensitivity questionnaire (Korean version), and 3) a questionnaire survey of nurses' attitudes towards the patients’ rights. Data collected by the software SPSS version 16, and were analyzed descriptive and analytical statistical tests.
The results showed that there is a significant direct relationship between average moral sensibility and nurses' attitudes towards patients’ rights (r= 0.6, P=0.03). The average nurse's ethical sensitivity has been reported 3.05±0.68 0f the total score (0-4). The average attitude towards the patients’ rights was 4 ± 0.8 of the total score (1-5). The relationship between moral sensitivity whit the years of service and age of the participants was significant (P<0.05). There was also a significant relationship between the attitudes of nurses towards patients' rights with gender and years of service (P<0.05). In conclusion it is necessary to provide more moral education to increase nurse’s moral sensitivity towards patients’ rights. It should be noted that due to the fact that moral sensitivity and attitude towards patients' rights increases with the number of years of service the article suggests that considering more experienced nurses in the teams would result a more morally sensitive care for the patients.
Mohammad Mohammadi, Mohammad Shamsoddin Dayani Tilaki, Professor Bagher Larijani,
Volume 9, Issue 6 (3-2017)
Abstract
Privacy and confidentiality are the inalienable rights of every human being to preserve his dignity. This issue should be considered in all levels of medical interventions. In the healthcare system, based on respect for privacy and confidentiality, patients decides what information to provide to their physicians. However, if a patient does not provide necessary information to his physician this may impact the diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to evaluate patients’ attitude regarding privacy and confidentiality in healthcare delivery. The result helps policy makers to establish appropriate relations between healthcare providers and patients by realizing its strengths and weaknesses.
This cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 patients, selected in a systematically random way, in Imam Khomeini and Shariati hospitals in Tehran the capital of Iran in 2010. The data were collected directly from patients by trained interviewers based on a questionnaire survey. In order to analyze the data based on the scores of the attitude, patients’ attitudes were classified into three groups of negative, slightly positive, and positive and were evaluated by using various statistical tests.
In result, 56.5% (113) of participants were females and 43.5% (87) were male. In this study, it was found 71 (35.5%) patients were “strongly agree” that male physician can examine female patients and 99 (49.5%) patients were “agree”. Fifty three patients were “strongly agree” that physician may consult with his assistant through training (without the patient's permission) and 103 patients were “agree”. Participants’ attitude about disclosing the patient’s information if a he has threaten self-harm or harm to another person was as follow, 45 (22.5%) patients were “strongly agree”, 82 (41.0%) patients were “agree” and 56 (28.0%) patients had “no comment”. In this study, in general 36 (18.0%) patients had “negative”, 162 (81.0%) patients “slightly positive”, and 2 (1.0%) patients had “positive attitude” towards privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings.
In conclusion, the study population possessed a moderate attitude towards privacy and confidentiality. These results show that in addition to performing further studies, patients’ attitude towards privacy and confidentiality should be adequately improved.
Amirahmad Shojaei,
Volume 9, Issue 6 (3-2017)
Abstract
Although, physicians have a duty to treat their patients, sometimes the cure is not possible in medicine and there is no result in attempt to cure patient. In this situation, we face with two types of patients: first, patients who are conscious but suffering with advanced disease and will survive only for a short time. The second group, are patients who are unconscious and may not be cured with the standard treatment based on physician experience.
The latter are the subject of the present article. So what a Hospital should do in dealing with these patients? How the hospital, should develop a community-based policy on providing care for these patients. Finally, how should inform the public to adhere to these policies.
Hossein Mahmoodian, Hamide Barzegar,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Patients have the right to make decision about their medical care. Thus, all the available information regarding decision-making should be provided for them. In surgical context, informed consent is essential for therapeutic relationship between patient and surgeon and sustains mutual trust and shared responsibility for decision making. Thus before surgery, the surgeon should describe available treatments, benefits and harms of them to the patients. So the patient can make a correct decision. In this cross-sectional study, 200 patients underwent gynecological surgery in a hospital in Shiraz during 2014 were recruited. The questionnaire which was used in this study had three parts. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were evaluated using expert panel and SPSS software. In this study, there was no significant association between age, marriage status, job, home place, emergency or elective surgery and the amount of informed consent. There was significant difference between patients with primary school education and patients with higher education. Patients’ participation in decision making was 57%. Patients’ information about their rights in hospital and the amount of reading informed consent form were poor. This survey shows that the amount of informed consent obtained from patients is poor. So, we should consider some changes in content and obtaining informed consent.
Masomeh Khajeahmadi, Faezeh Jahanpour,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Maintaining the privacy is one of the most fundamental rights of the patients, based on the need for respect to human dignity. Considering that today's students are tomorrow's nurses who are directly involved with patients during and after their education, it is necessary to review their performance regarding the privacy of patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the privacy practices of patients among trainees and interns of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. This was a descriptive analytical and cross-sectional study. A total of 283 nursing and midwifery students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences who had the necessary features to enter this study were selected by consensus method. The data collection tool was privacy questionnaire made by Heidari (2000), which validity and its reliability was confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23 as well as statistical tests (T-test and ANOVA). The results of this study showed that the average score of patient's privacy was 09.24 ± 11.97. Also, students' performance in the area of personal, human, and in general the patient privacy was approximately good, and there was a significant difference between the average performance of trainees and interns in the domain of human (p-value = 0.002) and, in general, the privacy the patient (p-value = 0.018). There was a significant difference between the demographic factors of the educational level, ethnicity and occupation of students with practice of patient's personal privacy. Since the students' performance regarding the privacy of the patients was good, the administrators and clinicians should plan and take the necessary measures to maintain the present situation.
Jamshid Roosta, Sahar Pourmehdizadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 0 (3-2018)
Abstract
Reflecting on the Qara – Khitai of Kerman (from 619 to 704 A.H. / 1223 to 1305 A.D.), we can see that the rule of the dynasty, some women of Qara – Khitai, with expertise and competence into political, economic, scientific and cultural even reached into the kingdom of Kerman. Among these women the one that can be mentioned is -Qutlugh Terken (Terken Khatun), who was directly and indirectly involved in Kerman government for more than 40 years. So, the main question of this article is to assess measures of Qutlugh Terkan for promotion of Kerman's medical condition and further investigation of patients' rights. One of the findings of the present study was that Terken Khatun, build and equipped hospitals in Kerman with best facilities about eight hundred years ago, she also constructed an advanced school to train a new generation of intellectuals including physicians.
Ali Hassan Rahmani, Mina Ranjgaran Alanagh, Farkhondeh Jamshidi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2020)
Abstract
Increased patient satisfaction can promote patient’s compliance with prescribed treatments and improve patients’ health. The aim of this study was to determine the patients’ satisfaction with nurses in surgical departments of Imam, Razi, and Golestan hospitals of Ahvaz city in 2018. In this descriptive-analytic study, patients over 18 years of age with at least 3 days of hospitalization were studied. Data including age, sex, marriage status, level of education, type of illness, hospitalization time, number of hospital admissions, and health status were collected through a demographic form. Patients’ satisfaction with nurses was obtained by the satisfaction questionnaire of nursing services. Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis analysis, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze by SPSS software. Patients’ satisfaction in Imam, Razi and Golestan hospitals were 78.25±12.09, 68.30±11.24, and 58.09±17.42, respectively. Highest level of patients’ satisfaction was with Razi hospital nurses (P-value<0.05).There were no significant difference between patients of different hospitals regarding age, marriage status, place of residence, hospitalization history, and education level (P-value>0.05).With increasing age, having a history of admission, an increase in the duration of hospitalization, the patients’ satisfaction score decreased significantly (P-value<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the patients’ satisfaction by marriage status, place of residence and level of education (P-value>0.05). It is suggested that effective strategies for increasing patients’ satisfaction be applied through more care and attention of more sensitive people. Also, increasing awareness of the community about the duties of patients, nurses, and medical staff is recommended.
Omid Asemani, Zahra Javadi, Seddigheh Ebrahimi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2020)
Abstract
Regarding how to make decisions on the revelation of medical errors done by colleagues, investigation of physicians' points of view particularly those in educational settings could help the improvement of circumstances to which we encounter medical errors and thus respecting patient's rights. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through a researcher-made questionnaire after performing face and content validaty and determination of internal and external reliability. The viewpoint of 40 attending physicians and 112 medical residents from different specialties about their inclination to disclose errors, the results of disclosure, the factors influencing on nondisclosure, and the factors decreasing medical errors were asked. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21. Mean scores of 15.2±1.3 for attending and 12.56±2.05 for residents regarding the dimension of "inclination to disclose others' medical error"; and mean scores of 7.55±0.677 for attending and 9.09±2.01 for residents in terms of "inclination to NOT disclose" were differed significantly (p<0.001). Participants declared the head of medical department/ward as the best authority for managing and dealing with medical errors as the best approach for disclosure of the errors through attendance of the senior physician accompanied by the physician who has made the error. Urban general physicians, nurses, and first-year residents were reported with the most frequency of the errors. The data can be used for the promotion of the patient's rights and the perspective of the medical team when encountering errors done by a colleague, rightfully, and protectively. Building cultural, legal, and social contexts will be the mission of the educational-medical settings aimed at making possible a scientific and skillful error disclosure.
Khadije Mohammadi, Abbas Rahimi Froshani,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2020)
Abstract
One of the main issues in hospitals is evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness. For this purpose, several indicators are presented, which are known as functional indicators. If the performance of hospitals depends on the patient's demographic characteristics, overlooking effect of hospital indicators, as an effective factor at a higher level on the patient rights, may lead to inaccurate conclusions about these relationships. In such cases, where the data are intrinsically multilevel, the use of multi-level statistical models for this type of data is useful. Samples were collected from eight hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2013 in a two stage cluster. Data on patient rights and demographic information were collected from 375 patients by a questionnaire. The patient's rights rate was measured by multivariate statistical analysis and factor analysis. Two-level linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between patients' rights and some demographic information. The first level was demographic factors and the second level was hospital factors. The results showed that rate of considering patients' rights in hospitals were in moderate level. About 16% of the variance of the dependent variable of patient's rights, which was significant, is due to variations at the higher level of the hospital and other variations at the individual level. Furthermore, variables of bed occupancy, complaint rate, and hospital escape rate at the higher level (Hospital) have a significant impact on the patient's rights.
Dariush Azimi,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (3-2021)
Abstract
The widespread and increasing number of deaths due to the Corona virus has caused many psychological injuries, including stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the relationship between perceived stress and coping strategies of the family members of patients with Corona virus admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Ardabil medical centers. The present study is a descriptive-analytical study. Sampling was done by available method among the companions of patients with Corona virus infection admitted to the ICU (between May and September 2020). The number of research samples according to the results of a pilot study was estimated at 462 people. Available sampling method was used for sampling. Data collected included patient demographics, Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and the Blinges-Moss Coping Styles Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Spearman and Chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance by SPSS software version 24. The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of perceived stress were 44.80 ± 5.92 and emotion-oriented and problem-oriented coping styles were 19.08 ± 3.02 and 32.35 ± 5.54, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient test showed a significant relationship between perceived stress with problem-oriented coping style (r = 0.321) and emotion-oriented coping style (r = 0.113) (p <0.05). This study showed that the companions of coronary patients admitted to the intensive care unit use more emotional coping methods, which results in increased emotional behaviors. Therefore, in order to help the psychological health of coronary patients, it is possible to strengthen the application of problem-oriented coping style by designing and implementing educational and supportive-care programs.
Fariba Asghari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Many debates and news regarding not providing healthcare services to female patients based on wearing hijab were raised following the woman, life, freedom movement in Iran. In this editorial, the author first has an overview of the cases in which the doctor is ethically allowed to choose her patient, then recommend not to refuse patients based on wearing hijab, putting forward this argument that it can enhance social polarization and make discrimination in access to health care based on hijab a matter of concern to the society which in turn can cause distrust in the medical profession especially in Iran’s current situation. In addition, this editorial emphasizes that the Council of Medicine as the patient advocate should prevent the government limiting the access of women without hijab to health care services.
Mohammad Hossein Khani, Zahra Abdollahi, Marzieh Barahooei Noori , Mohammad Hossein Taklif, Negin Farid,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Death anxiety, characterized by persistent fear of death, is a significant psychological burden. Spiritual care, encompassing compassionate listening, fostering trust, and addressing spiritual and existential concerns, has the potential to alleviate this anxiety. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of spiritual care interventions on death anxiety in various patient populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using keywords such as "spiritual care," "death anxiety," "spirituality," and "patients" in major databases, including Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Irandoc, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar. The search included publications in English and Persian with no time limitations. After screening and removing duplicates, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Ethical considerations, including minimizing bias in the selection, extraction, and analysis of evidence, were adhered to throughout the review process. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. The findings suggest a potential positive impact of spiritual care on reducing death anxiety. Studies conducted among patients with chronic kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke demonstrated that spiritual care interventions, including individual counseling and group support, can effectively alleviate death anxiety and improve overall well-being. However, some studies, particularly those involving patients with cardiac problems and gastrointestinal cancer, did not show a significant reduction in death anxiety. Furthermore, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential effectiveness of tele-nursing interventions for providing spiritual care and alleviating death anxiety in older adults. This review provides evidence suggesting that spiritual care interventions may be effective in reducing death anxiety in certain patient populations. Further research is warranted to investigate the effectiveness of different spiritual care modalities across diverse patient groups, including those with chronic illnesses, terminal diseases, and those facing end-of-life care.
Hoda Ahmari Tehran, Ahmad Mashkoori, Tayebeh Ilaghinezad, Maryam Tajadini,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Research shows that stress in medical students leads to burnout and a loss of respect for patients’ rights. These declines in mood and an increase in malpractice are particularly evident during the internship period. On the other hand, literature highlights the importance of reflective practice in education. This study investigates the effect of using student reflective narratives on observing dignity and respect for patients’ rights in clinical education. A mixed-methods study based on reflective learning theories (Gibbs' Reflective Model) was conducted over 12 months with 48 intern students. In a quasi-experimental design, 38 medical students were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Only students in the intervention group were allowed to engage in conversations with patients and inquire whether they had properly respected the patients’ rights and dignity. The students then reflected on their performances. In the first week, a pretest was conducted in both groups. The intervention group received reflective education and participated in reflection writing during the second and third weeks. In the final week, a post-test was conducted for both groups. To explore students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of reflecting on their performance, a qualitative content analysis was carried out, including 12 semi-structured interviews and 144 reflection notes. The mean scores of students’ performance regarding respect for patients in the intervention group improved significantly in the post-test (12.32 ± 1.21) compared to the pretest (9.85 ± 1.39) (p < 0.05). An independent t-test indicated that the difference in post-test scores between the two groups was significant (p = 0.01). From the interviews, four main themes emerged: improving empathy and understanding patients’ feelings, paying attention to patients’ humanistic dimensions, respecting patients’ autonomy and rights, and promoting interpersonal communication skills. This study demonstrated the positive emotional effects of reflective narrative writing interventions on medical students in observing dignity and respecting patients' rights. It is recommended to incorporate reflective narratives into medical education programs to enhance these qualities.
Neda Yavari ,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Communicating the truth about a terminally ill patient’s diagnosis and prognosis is a profound ethical challenge in healthcare. While patients have the right to know the details of their medical condition, grounded in the ethical principle of autonomy, healthcare providers often grapple with concerns about causing distress or hopelessness. These concerns sometimes lead to paternalistic approaches where information is either manipulated or withheld from patients in end-of-life stages. Research on the timing, method, and extent of information sharing with terminally ill patients has yet to reach a consensus. The challenge is further complicated by cultural differences regarding death, as well as varying family and social dynamics. This article explores the views and experiences of both healthcare providers and patients regarding the ethical challenges associated with truth-telling in end-of-life care. This qualitative study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 27 healthcare providers, 20 patients, and 15 caregivers. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. The findings were organized into four key themes:
1.Diverse methods of truth-telling employed by healthcare providers, influenced by personal values, institutional policies, and cultural contexts.
2.Patients’ and families’ preferences for receiving information, which frequently conflicted with healthcare providers’ practices.
3.The impact of timing, manner, and setting of truth-telling on the emotional health of both patients and their families.
4.The necessity for a patient-centered approach that acknowledges the unique circumstances, values, and preferences of patients and their families.
This research highlights the ethical complexities involved in truth-telling for terminally ill patients. While respecting patient autonomy is fundamental, the manner and timing of delivering the truth are crucial to maintaining trust in the physician-patient relationship and safeguarding the patient’s mental health. Further research should focus on developing effective communication strategies and support systems for healthcare providers engaged in end-of-life care. Educational programs should prioritize improving communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making to enhance best practices and alleviate the emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals in this sensitive area.
Tahereh Shafaghat, Elahe Rahmani Samani, Elnaz Haiery, Atiyeh Dehghan Niri, Zahra Raisi,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
An efficient healthcare system relies on active participation and a strong relationship between healthcare providers and recipients. Observing the Patients’ Rights Charter is an essential aspect of delivering high-quality healthcare services. However, the existence, formulation, and dissemination of the charter do not ensure its implementation and compliance. Therefore, evaluating adherence to the charter is critical. This study aimed to assess compliance with the Patients’ Rights Charter at Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital, Yazd. This applied, descriptive-analytical study was conducted cross-sectionally at Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital, Yazd, in 2024. The study population included all hospitalized patients in the hospital. Cluster random sampling was used, and a standardized questionnaire developed by Parsapour et al. measured adherence to the Patients’ Rights Charter. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests via SPSS software version 26. The findings revealed that patients perceived an average level of adherence to the Patients’ Rights Charter in Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital (mean ± SD: 53.99 ± 11.10). The highest compliance was observed in the domain of respect for patients and protection of privacy (mean ± SD: 78.12 ± 2.65), whereas the lowest compliance was reported for the existence of a complaint resolution system (mean ± SD: 2.97 ± 1.74). Patient satisfaction, a vital indicator of healthcare quality, is closely linked to the observance of patients’ rights. To improve compliance, it is recommended to:
1. Raise staff awareness about the importance of adhering to patients’ rights.
2. Educate patients about their rights through staff training and media campaigns.
3. Develop plans by hospital management to address areas of non-compliance.
4. Foster greater collaboration between staff and patients.
5. Follow up on violations of patients’ rights and implement legal measures to ensure compliance.
6. Regularly monitor adherence to patients’ rights to enhance patient satisfaction and staff commitment to ethical practices.
