ABSTRACT

This study investigates the awareness of patient rights among hospitalized patients in Buea Municipality. Patient rights are crucial for ensuring quality care and protecting individuals within the healthcare system. Understanding the level of awareness among patients is essential for improving healthcare services and empowering patients to advocate for their rights.

Patient rights encompass various aspects, including the right to informed consent, privacy, and respectful treatment. In Buea Municipality, as in many regions, patients may have varying levels of awareness about these rights, which can affect their healthcare experience and outcomes. This study aims to assess how well patients understand their rights and the implications for healthcare delivery.

Awareness levels of patient rights can significantly impact patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care. Patients who are informed about their rights are more likely to engage in their healthcare decisions, ask pertinent questions, and advocate for themselves. Conversely, a lack of awareness may result in patients not fully understanding or exercising their rights, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and suboptimal care.

The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative aspect involved distributing structured questionnaires to hospitalized patients in selected hospitals within Buea Municipality. The questions focused on various patient rights, including the right to know about treatment options, the right to privacy, and the right to refuse treatment. The qualitative aspect involved in-depth interviews with a smaller group of patients to gain insights into their experiences and understanding of patient rights.

Findings indicate that while some patients are aware of basic rights such as privacy and informed consent, there is a significant gap in awareness regarding more nuanced aspects of patient rights, such as the right to a second opinion and the right to access medical records. Many patients reported that they were not informed about their rights upon admission, and some expressed uncertainty about how to assert their rights if they encountered issues.

Implications of these findings suggest a need for increased patient education and awareness campaigns within hospitals. Healthcare providers should ensure that patient rights information is readily accessible and communicated effectively to patients at various stages of their care. Training healthcare staff on the importance of patient rights and how to convey this information to patients can also enhance patient empowerment and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the awareness of patient rights among hospitalized patients in Buea Municipality varies, with notable gaps in understanding certain rights. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and communication strategies can improve patient engagement, satisfaction, and overall healthcare quality.

Keywords: Patient rights, awareness, hospitalized patients, Buea Municipality, healthcare quality, patient empowerment, informed consent, privacy.