|
A Guide to Patient Rights
Patient Rights
As a patient, you have the right to:
- Quality health care regardless of race, creed, age, sex, sexual preference, or national origin.
- Care that includes consideration of your psy- chosocial, spiritual, and cultural variables that influence the perceptions of illness.
- Considerate and respectful care.
- Participation in the consideration of ethical issues regarding your care, including the right to request help from the Ethics Consultation
Service.
- Knowledge of the name of the physician who has primary responsibility for directing your care, as well as the names and professional relationships
of other physicians, nurses, thera pists, or other professionals participating in your diagnosis and treatment. a Information about your illness, course of treat- ment, and prospects for recovery in terms
that you can understand.
- As much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as you may need in order to make an informed decision whether to consent or
refuse a course of treatment. Except in emergencies, this information shall include the purpose and description of the procedure, probable result, significant risks and alternate courses of treatment.
- Active participation in decisions regarding medical care. We respect your right to make decisions based on your personal beliefs and values, as
well as on available medical informa- tion. To the extent permitted by law, this includes the right to refuse treatment after being informed of the consequences of your refusal, the right to leave the
hospital against your doctor's advice, or both.
- Full consideration of privacy concerning your medical care program. Discussion about your case, professional consultation, pbysicnl axirni-
nation, and treatment are confidential and you are entitled to expect that they will be conduct- ed discreetly. Confidential treatment of all communications and records about your care and stay in the
hospital. While you are a patient, you may ask to examine your medical records under the guidance of your physician. After release from the hospital, your request will be referred to the Medical Records
Department.
- Voluntary participation in research and experi- mental projects, which will be fully explained in advance and for which written permission will
be requested.
- A full explanation of the hospital and profes- sional bills for your care.
- Access to protective services which are inde- pendent of the hospital, if you have a concern about patient abuse or neglect or misuse of a
patient's property in the hospitM. A list of such services is available by contacting Patient and Visitor Relations at 681-2020.
- Information about continuing health care requirements, such as return visits and required medications you will need after you leave the
hospital.
- Information about the hospital's patient rights policy and complaint resolution process, as well as information about hospital rules and
regula- tions that apply to your conduct wbile a patient.
- Information about "advance directives" such as living wills and other legally recognized doc- uments that express your choices for
treatment in the event you become unable to make such decisions. Your advance directive will be respected to the extent permitted by law.
- Application of all your patient rights by the person who may have legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on your behalf (If
you are a minor, or are otherwise Legally unable to make decisions regarding your care, these decisions will be made by a parent, guardian, or other person authorized to act on your behalf)
Back to Patient Rights Guide
Patient Responsibilities
While you are hospitalized here, it is expected that you will comply with hospital regulations and cooperate in your recovery. As an active participant
in your care, you have the following responsibilities:
- Just as you want privacy, a quiet atmosphere, and courteous treatment, so do other patients. You have the responsibility to limit your
visitors, follow smoking regulations, and refrain from using the telephone, television, or lights in a way that might disturb others.
- It is your responsibility to be informed. If you do not understand your illness or treatment, ask your physician or other health care
professionals until you do understand. If you do not understand the medical words they use, ask for a simpler explanation.
- It is your responsibility to cooperate with members of the hospital staff in order to provide the necessary personal and medical history
required for your treatment. You should notify your physician of any changes in your health. All drugs given to you during your stay have been specifically prescribed as part of your treatment plan.
DO NOT take any other drugs without the consent of your physician.
- It is your responsibility to tell your physician whether or not you are willing and able to follow the treatment plan recommended for you. The
most effective plan is the one that all participants agree is best, and that will be carried out in its entirety.
- You are responsible for participating actively in your continued care after you leave the hospital. You should know when and where to get
further treatment and what you need to do at home to help with your treatment. Again, if you don't know, ask questions.
- You are responsible for keeping follow-up appointments. If you cannot keep an appointment, notify your physician or clinic as soon as possible
so that another patient can be scheduled at that time.
- It is your responsibility to be prompt about paying your hospital bills, to provide the information necessary to process your insurance, and to
ask questions if you do not understand your bills.
Back to Patient Rights Guide
Rights and Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians of Pediatric Patients
Duke University Hospital recognizes the extraordinary circumstances involved in the care of infant, child, and adolescent patients.
There are certain rights and responsibilities that are unique to the parents and guardians of these patients. In addition to the rights and responsibilities afforded to adult patients, minor patients and their
parents or guardians have the following rights and responsibilities.
- Parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to participate in the treatment process. This includes planning the course of
treatment, remaining informed of the progress of the treatment, and physically participating in the delivery of certain types of care and treatment.
- Parents and guardians have the responsibility to ensure that their child follows the agreed-upon course of treatment,
- Except when restricted by hospital staff members, each minor patient has the right to attend school, take part in recreational and outdoor
activities, and receive help in letter-writing and making telephone calls.
Back to Patient Rights Guide
Right to Lodge a Complaint
Patients and their families or representatives should always feel free to present a problem or make a complaint. This has no adverse effect on the
patient's care and does not serve to compromise the patient's future access to care. If a problem is not resolved satisfactorily on the unit or in the clinic, the patient should call 919-684-6298
for administrative assistance.
The Private Diagnostic Clinic, PLLC (PDC) strives to provide high quality and safe patient care. If for any reason you have concerns about the care provided, we encourage you to discuss this with your provider, clinic, or PDC Administration (919-613-7650).
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may contact The Joint Commission (TJC) at 1-800-994-6610 or by e-mailing complaint@jcaho.org
Back to Patient Rights Guide
Our Commitment to You
Welcome! At Duke University Hospital, we perform many roles. We prevent and treat illness and disease. We educate medical students, graduate
physicians, and other health care professionals. We search for better ways of treating and caring for patients.
We are committed that these activities patient care, teaching, and research-be carried out
with respect and concern for the human dignity of each and every patient.
The following statement, approved by the Executive Committee of the Hospital's medical staff, explains your rights and
responsibilities as a patient. We believe that a patient who understands and participates in his/her health care achieves better results. Therefore, we encourage you to become an active partner with the
doctors, nurses, and other health professionals providing your care.
Your role as a member of this team is to exercise your rights and to fulfill your responsibilities. One of the best ways to be an effective
partner in your care and treatment is to be an informed patient. During your hospital stay, whenever you are confronted with something you do not understand, whether it is a diagnosis or a medical procedure or
how to get someplace in the hospital, be sure to ask questions of your health care team.
Back to Patient Rights Guide
|
