Submission ID 118513
| Issue/Objective | To assess clinicians' awareness and perception of patients' rights in clinical care at Mulago National Referral Hospital. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This was a cross-sectional study that employed a qualitative research method in which 18 audio-recorded in-depth interviews were conducted among nurses (9) and medical doctors (9). Data was analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis approach supported by NVivo version 12 software. |
| Results | 15/18 which translates to 83% of the participants demonstrated a good understanding of human and patient rights. They could accurately define and provide examples of patient rights such as the right to information, respect, non-discrimination, access to care, privacy, autonomy, and the right to refuse treatment. These rights were linked to professional codes, patient charters, the Hippocratic Oath, and ethical principles like autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence. A few participants showed limited awareness, often due to lack of refresher training. Participants agreed that all patient rights are equally important and none should be prioritized over the other. While respecting these rights generally promotes quality care and adherence, it can sometimes delay decision-making, as seen with the right to refuse treatment. Participants were divided on the use of deception but agreed that accurate information should be provided at the right time. Regarding the feasibility of implementing patient rights in Uganda, some clinicians believed all rights are feasible, but most acknowledged challenges. Difficulties include ward congestion, insufficient resources, cultural and religious beliefs, and gaps in knowledge. These challenges were categorized into infrastructure, resource-related issues, cultural beliefs, and knowledge gaps. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | It was found out that most clinicians are aware of patient rights and generally support their importance in promoting quality care. However Challenges like limited space, underfunding, cultural beliefs, and knowledge gaps hinder the implementation of these rights. Recommendations include enhanced training for both clinicians and the public, increasing the health budget, improving staffing levels, developing insurance policies, and strengthening reporting and monitoring mechanisms to better uphold patient rights while access to quality health services for all in Uganda. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Stuart Niwagaba Makerere University Stuart Niwagaba Makerere University Frederick Nelson Nakwagala Mulago National Referral Hospital John Barugahare Makerere University Charles Ibingira Makerere University |
