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.

Review the american hospital association’s patients’ bill of rights

Discussion:

The American Hospital Association (AHA) Patients’ Bill of Rights outlines the basic rights of patients in healthcare settings. These rights include the right to receive care that is respectful, considerate, and compassionate, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to participate in their care decisions, and the right to access information about their condition and treatment options. Health care professionals play a vital role in ensuring that patients’ rights are upheld and protected. In this discussion, we will explore how health care professionals can ensure that patients’ rights are protected and upheld.

Firstly, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients’ rights are upheld by promoting and respecting their autonomy. Patients have the right to participate in decisions regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. Healthcare professionals must provide patients with the information necessary to make informed decisions and respect their choices. Additionally, healthcare professionals should encourage patients to ask questions and express their concerns, and take these concerns into consideration when making decisions about their care.

Secondly, healthcare professionals can protect patients’ rights by ensuring their privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare providers must protect patients’ medical information and ensure that it is only shared with those who are authorized to access it. This includes using secure systems for electronic health records and following strict guidelines for accessing and sharing patient information.

Thirdly, healthcare professionals can protect patients’ rights by promoting a culture of respect and dignity. Healthcare providers must treat all patients with respect, regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status. This includes using appropriate language and tone, addressing patients by their preferred name and pronouns, and avoiding any discriminatory behavior.

Fourthly, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients’ rights are upheld by providing high-quality care that is safe and effective. This includes following evidence-based practices, regularly evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, and ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Lastly, healthcare professionals can protect patients’ rights by providing support and advocacy. Patients may require assistance in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their rights, and accessing resources. Healthcare professionals should be available to provide support and advocate for their patients, ensuring that their needs are met and their rights are protected.

In conclusion, healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring that patients’ rights are protected and upheld. By promoting autonomy, respecting privacy and confidentiality, promoting a culture of respect and dignity, providing high-quality care, and providing support and advocacy, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients receive the care and treatment they deserve. It is essential that healthcare professionals adhere to the AHA Patients’ Bill of Rights and ensure that patients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

References:

American Hospital Association. (2019). Patients’ Bill of Rights. Retrieved from http://www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/communicatingpts/pt-care-partnership.shtml.