Journal of Innovations

Vol. 2, Issue 3

Awareness of Patient Rights Among Hospitalized Patients in Buea Municipality: Insights from a Rural Area in a Developing Country

AUTHOR(S)

Roland Edianjie Egoh

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the awareness of patient rights among rural inhabitants in less developed countries, focusing on their impact on healthcare service delivery. An evaluation conducted in the Buea Municipality, Cameroon involved 230 hospitalized patients, revealing that overall awareness of patient rights stands at 61.8%. This figure is considered substandard, highlighting the need for urgent and effective education on these rights. Particularly low awareness was noted in areas such as the right to refuse treatment, decision-making in treatment options, and receiving emergency medical care prior to payment. However, most patients demonstrated high knowledge of their rights to detailed billing information and to receive compassionate, respectful care from hospital staff. The study also found that male and younger adult patients exhibited marginally higher awareness than their counterparts. Urban residents showed greater awareness compared to rural inhabitants. These findings underscore the necessity of sensitizing patients in the Buea Municipality about their legal and moral rights to foster better therapeutic relationships with healthcare providers, enhance engagement in healthcare service provision, and improve overall patient satisfaction. The results provide compelling evidence for the Ministry of Public Health to consider establishing a Patient Right Committee in every healthcare institution nationwide. 

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62470/1c246567 

CITE THIS ARTICLE 

Egoh, R. E. (2024). Awareness of Patient Rights Among Hospitalized Patients in Buea Municipality: Insights from a Rural Area in a Developing Country. Journal of Innovations, 2(3)1, 1-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62470/1c246567