Philippine E-Journals

Awareness of medical students of the Patient's Bill of Rights

Sheela Mae G. Tan | Hazael V. Tanael | Maria Angela C. Tanjuatco | Lyzka Camille G. Templonuevo | Eunice Grace D. Vallada | Yzabel N. Vergel de Dios | Joseph Louie M. Vicencio | Alyssa Nina T. Vilaga | Maria Isabela C. Vilela | Patricia Jan S. Villa | Vielka Z. Villanueva | Jesryph Flor A. Villegas | Fria Franchesca P. Vitug | Georgina T. Paredes

 

Abstract:

Introduction Health care providers must develop awareness and understanding of the rights of patients in order to render quality care. The study aimed to assess the awareness of students of the College of Medicine of the Patient's Bill of Rights. Methods Medical students selected by stratified sampling were asked to answer a questionnaire on patients' rights. Respondents with scores of at least 80% were considered "aware". The proportion of respondents who were "aware" was determined. Results The results revealed that 84.6% of the respondents have >80% awareness level. More than 90% of the medical students sampled were aware of the right to choose a physician, followed by the rights to be shown respect, dignity, and consideration, to be provided healthcare service of best quality by skilled healthcare professionals, to be included in decisions and choices about one's care, and to religious assistance. Less than 70% were aware of the right of the unconscious or legally incompetent patient and right to access and transfer of care and continuity of care. Conclusion More than 80% of medical students exposed to patients are aware of the Patient's Bill of Rights.