Towards Patient-Centred Care: A Cross- Sectional Study On Patients’ Rights Awareness In A Tertiary Care Government Hospital In Western Maharashtra
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 6
- 2 min read
Sakshi Sharma, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Jasnoor Bajaj, BALLB, Manipal University Jaipur
Akshay Misra, Department of Hospital Administration, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Harpreet Singh, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
ABSTRACT
Background: Patient rights include the right to make decisions regarding medical care, the right to accept or refuse treatment, and the right to formulate advance directives. The present study aimed at assessing the awareness among patients regarding their rights in a tertiary care government hospital in Western Maharashtra.
Methodology: This study followed a quantitative observational cross- sectional analytical design to assess patients’ awareness of their rights in a tertiary care 1000- bedded government hospital in Western Maharashtra. The study sample consisted of 384 patients and data were collected through responses to questionnaires by the study subjects during the period between October 2024 to March 2025. The rate of awareness of patients was estimated using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.
Results: Among the participants, 59.5% were male and 40.5% female, with 68.4% aged between 18–44 years. The best source of information about their rights was the Internet, with a percentage of 45.6%. Females demonstrated higher awareness levels compared to males across most rights. Awareness was also strongly associated with education level, with participants holding graduate or professional degrees showing the highest knowledge. Awareness of patients’ rights was highest for respectful care and privacy/confidentiality, indicating recognition of dignity-related rights.
Conclusion: The study found that a limited number of patients knew about their rights and duties. The awareness regarding patients’ rights and responsibilities should not be limited to awareness provided by healthcare policymakers and providers, but also should involve educating citizens about it, starting from their school education system. Establishment of a patients’ rights and responsibilities committee for supervision and monitoring of informing and observance is also recommended.
Keywords: Patient rights, Tertiary care hospital, Human rights, Equity in Healthcare, Legal Awareness, Informed care
