Access to Information

Knowledge is healing. It is vital for patients to understand their health conditions and treatment options. Being informed in a comprehensible language is the foundation of a beneficial healthcare experience. This encourages patients to participate actively in their care, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

Patient Rights

To have access to all relevant information in a language that the patient understands, including complete and accurate information about diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, other procedures and possible outcomes.
To fully participate in implementing the treatment plan and making decisions.

Patient Responsibilities

Seek information from the care giver about their services.
Understand the treatment plan.
Provide details about any changes occurring during, or on account of treatment.
Report dissatisfaction through appropriate channels provided by the facility.

Provider Responsibilities

Inform patient about services that are available at the facility and eligibility based on health insurance or out-of- pocket costs and responsibilities.
Inform patient whether proposed treatment or procedure is experimental or part of ongoing research.
Answer questions about proposed treatment and/or procedures and provide information about potential risks, alternative treatment and/ or procedures.
Provide the patient’s medical records on request by the patient or other authorized persons, in accordance with prevailing laws.

Example Scenario

Amara is diagnosed with asthma. At the healthcare center, she actively asks Dr. James questions about the condition, and possible treatments. Dr. James, in turn, explains the diagnosis in simple terms, provides various options for treatment, and discusses the side effects. Amara decides to go with the inhaler treatment and is happy that she was part of the decision-making process.