Patient Rights Overview

Patients enjoy a number of rights granted by law and ethics during the medical treatment process, including mainlyRight to know, right to choose, right to privacy, right to safety, right to appealand other core content. Among them,right to knowandoptionIt is the basis to ensure that patients understand the diagnosis and treatment plan and make decisions independently;PrivacyProtect personal information from being disclosed;right to securityEnsure that there are no negligent injuries during the medical process;Right of appealIt provides relief channels when rights and interests are damaged. Together, these rights constitute a framework for safeguarding patients’ medical experience, which must be strictly adhered to by medical institutions and medical staff.

The specific content of the right to know and the right to choose

patientright to knowMedical staff are required to explain the condition, treatment options, risks and alternatives in plain language to avoid understanding barriers caused by professional terminology. For example, an informed consent form must be signed before surgery to clearly inform about possible complications. associated with thisoptionAllow patients to make independent informed choices or refuse treatments, such as whether to use high-priced drugs or participate in clinical trials. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that these two rights are the core of patients' participation in medical decision-making, and medical institutions need to ensure process compliance through written or electronic forms.

Practical requirements for privacy and security rights

PrivacyCovers confidentiality of medical records, non-disclosure of diagnosis and treatment processes, etc. HIV test results must not be disclosed to third parties without permission. my country's "Regulations on the Management of Medical Records in Medical Institutions" clearly requires that medical records be kept for more than 15 years and strictly limits access rights.right to securityIt emphasizes that medical institutions need to avoid medical accidents through standardized operations, disinfection and sterilization and other measures. For example, surgical instruments must meet national standards (such as GB 15982-2012). Patients have the right to request to see disinfection records or medical qualification certificates to verify safety.

Right of Appeal and Remedy Channels

When patients believe that their rights and interests have been compromised, they canRight of appealSeek relief from the hospital complaint department, health commission or court. For example, in case of misdiagnosis, you can apply for a medical malpractice appraisal, or make a claim through mediation or litigation. Data from the National Health Commission show that the success rate of medical dispute mediation in 2022 will reach 87%. Some hospitals have also introduced third-party arbitration mechanisms, such as the "Patient Rights Protection Committee" of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, to improve the efficiency of dispute handling.

Comprehensive protection of patient rights

The patient rights system needs to be maintained by medical institutions, law and society. Hospitals can improve medical staff’s awareness of rights through training, and patients should take the initiative to understand the Regulations on the Prevention and Handling of Medical Disputes and other regulations. For example, the “Doctor-Patient Communication” platform launched by the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission integrates complaint, consultation and science popularization functions. Ultimately, respecting patients' rights can not only reduce disputes, but also promote trust between doctors and patients and improve overall medical quality.

Quote sources:1. World Health Organization (WHO) "Charter of Patient Rights" 2. China's "Regulations on the Management of Medical Records in Medical Institutions" (Guo Wei Yifa [2013] No. 31) 3. National Health Commission's "2022 Medical Quality and Safety Improvement Report" 4. Product Case: Working Mechanism of the "Patient Rights Protection Committee" of Peking Union Medical College Hospital