Do you know that as many as 42% of adult Poles have not heard about patient rights? And you have them! Knowing your rights is important to know what you may be asking from your he althcare provider. We present the rights contained in the European Charter of Patients' Rights.
European CharterPatient Rightsis a document that sets standards inmedical careand in patient-doctorand therefore knowing it is in the interests of both he althcare professionals and patients. It is also the first step to building mutual relations of both parties based on understanding and trust.
Compliance with many of the provisions of the Charter does not require great financial outlays, but only, for example, changing the way the patient is treated, showing empathy or respect for his dignity. But it is also a card of patient's obligations - taking care of he alth, undergoing preventive examinations and cooperation with a doctor. Thanks to the knowledge of your own rights, you will go through the period of illness more consciously and you will cooperate better with the doctor (e.g. when you know about the possible side effects of the treatment method used, it will be easier to accept the inconvenience of the treatment).
European Charter of Patients' Rights
1. The right to preventive care
Only proper care will allow you to avoid many diseases in the future.
2. The right to access medical care
If your he alth requires it, you should have access to medical services, regardless of your financial resources, place of residence or the type of disease.
3. Right to information
Medical staff is obliged to provide you with all information about your he alth condition, medical services and how to use them.
4. Right to consent
You are guaranteed the right to be actively involved in decisions about your he alth, both in terms of treatment and participation in research.
5. Right to free choice
Based on the information provided, you can choose the treatment procedure and provider.
6. Right to privacy and confidentiality
Your information is confidential, including information about your he alth and any diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. You also have the right to privacy during diagnostic tests, specialist appointments and treatmentpharmacological / surgical.
7. The law on respecting the patient's time
Necessary treatment (at every stage) should be obtained in a short, predetermined time.
8. The right to comply with quality standards
You have the right to benefit from high-quality he alth services, provided in accordance with certain rules and standards.
9. The right to be safe
The he althcare services you receive should not cause you any harm, should be error-free and in line with good medical practice.
10. The right to innovation
You have the right to use innovation, including diagnostic procedures, regardless of economic or financial conditions.
11. The right to avoid unnecessary suffering and pain
Regardless of the stage of your illness, you should not experience pain and suffering without reason
12. Right to personalized treatment
Diagnostic or therapeutic programs should be tailored to your personal needs as far as possible.
13. Right to Complain
You can make a complaint whenever you are injured and have the right to receive a reply or other feedback.
14. Right to compensation
If you suffer physical, moral or mental harm caused by poor treatment, you are en titled to receive adequate compensation within a reasonable period of time.