NURSING ROLE IN PATIENT AND FAMILY RIGHTS
- PURPOSE:
1.1.To assure that the basic rights of human beings for independence for expression, decision and action, concern for personal dignity and human relationships are preserved for all patients, and to define the responsibilities of patients seen in our hospital.
1.2. To ensure the ethical treatment of persons receiving medical or other professional healthcare services. Without exception, all persons in all settings are entitled to receive ethical treatment.
- DEFINITION:
2.1.Patients Rights: Are basic rule of conduct between patients and medical caregivers as well as the institution and people that support them. It encompasses legal and ethical issues in the provider-patient relationship, including a person’s right to privacy, right to quality medical care without prejudice and the right to make informed decisions about care and treatment.
2.2. Patients Responsibilities: Includes those actions on the part of the patients that are needed so that healthcare providers can provide appropriate care, make accurate and responsible care decisions, address patients’ needs and maintain a sound and viable healthcare facility.
- SCOPE:
3.1. This policy applies to all Hospital Staff of Riyadh Al Khabra Hospital who guarantee ethical care of clients in terms of their decision making about treatment choices and other aspects of their care.
- RESPONSIBILITY:
4.1. Nursing Staff
4.2. Social Worker
4.3. Patient and Family Education
- POLICY:
5.1. It is the policy of Riyadh Al Khabra Hospital that every member of health care team has to identify and adhere to patient’s/family’s rights and responsibilities that would promote trust and respects as part of the dimensions of patient care.
5.2. It is the hospital’s policy that in order to protect the personal welfare and safeguard the dignity of all patients as human beings. The hospital and Medical Staff have adopted the rights and responsibilities of patients, and the role of the Nurse in patients and family rights responsibility.
- PROCEDURE:
6.1. The nurse must provide services with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the client unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of the health problems.
6.2. Ensure that the patients know by name, the physician, nurses and other staff members involve in their treatment.
6.3. Ensure that the patients are seen by the Specialist within 24 hours of admission and on regular basis after that during the episode of admission.
6.4. Ensure that the patients understand all the information about their case, treatment plan and any other instructions about the follow up care with the language use by the medical team which is understandable to them.
6.5. provide convenient atmosphere where patient can discuss openly and in full confidentiality about his illness.
6.6. Respect the right to change in his/her mind and refuse the test that has been agreed upon and inform the relevant authorities.
6.7. Limit the visitors or call during admission, in accordance with the patient decision and hospital policy.
6.8. Respect the patient’s right to refuse treatment after knowing and being aware of the consequence.
6.9. Respect personal privacy consistent with the care prescribed for.
6.10. All communications and other records pertaining to the patients are kept confidential.
6.11. Assist patients to obtain any information or documents, such as medical reports, sick leave, etc. as documented in the medical chart.
6.12. Inform the attending Specialist about patient’s wish for consultation or second opinion from another physician through the treating doctor guided by the hospital’s administrative policy.
6.13. Respect the patient’s decision to change or transfer to other hospital as per hospital policy.
6.14. Respect the patient’s right to participate in medical training program and research projects.
6.15. Respect the right to be discharged from the hospital, against the physician’s advice and inform the concerned authority and get ready the necessary papers.
6.16. Respect the patient’s right to choose the person who would represent him in signing the hospital documents including release of information.
6.17. When discharged from the hospital, the patient must have medicine prescriptions follow up appointments and all the information and the training needed to be able to take care of themselves at home.
6.18. The patient/family must be kept aware of the law of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the hospital rules and regulations.
6.19. Physician must properly and clearly explain in the language understandable to the patient the complete information concerning his/her present complaints, past illness and hospitalizations and other matters relating to his/her illness.
6.20. Ensure that the patient clearly comprehend the course of the medical treatment. Notify the physician or the social worker of any dissatisfaction with regards to the care of the hospital.
6.22. The Nurses Role and Responsibilities are:
6.22.1. Nurses must protect the personal welfare and safeguard the dignity of the patient; the hospital and the medical staff has adapted the patient rights and responsibilities.
6.22.2. Provide a foundation of understanding and respecting the rights and responsibilities of patients, their families, physicians and other caregivers.
6.22.3. Ensure a healthcare ethics that respects the role of patients in decision making about treatment choices and other aspects of their care.
6.22.4 Nurses are also responsible for teaching patients about their medical conditions, treatment/procedures and the potential impact on their lives.
6.22.5. Nurses must start by determining what a patient already knows and how much he/she can realistically learn.
6.22.6. Practice nursing in accordance with the standards of the profession.
6.22.7. Maintain continuing competence in nursing practice through professional continuing education.
6.23. The Patient Responsibilities are:
6.23.1. Patients are expected to provide complete an accurate information, including full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, employer when it is required.
6.23.2. Patients are expected to provide complete and accurate information about his/her health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products and any other matters that pertain to his/her health including perceived safety risk.
6.23.3. Patients are expected to ask questions when they do not understand information or instructions. Patients are responsible for outcomes if they do not follow the care, treatment and service plan.
6.23.4. Patients are expected to actively participate in their pain management plan and to keep doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of their treatment.
6.23.5. Patients are asked to leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items for their hospital stay.
6.23.6. Patients must treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors.
6.23.7. Patients are expected to provide complete and accurate information about health insurance coverage and to pay bills in a timely manner ( applicable for Non Saudi patients ).
6.23.8. Patients have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time, and call health care provider if they cannot keep their appointments.
- CROSS REFERENCES POLICY:
7.1.Not Applicable
- MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT & FORMS:
8.1. Informed Consent (i.e. general Consent, Surgical Consent, AMA Consent, Anesthesia Consent, etc.).
- APPENDICES:
9.1. Not Available
- REFERENCES:
10.1. CBAHI Hospital Standards, Part 3, Jan. 2016.
10.2. Ministry of Health General Nursing Administration Functions and Duties, Policies and Procedure
10.3. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Patients’ Bill of Rights and Responsibilities October 2012.
