Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Nurses Regarding Patient Rights: A Study in Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore

Tehmina Sardar; Altaf Pervez Qasim; Irum Majeed; Muhammad Afzal; Ali Waqas; Syed Amir Gillani

doi:10.29054/apmc/2017.214

Tehmina Sardar Trainee BSN, Lahore School of Nursing, University of Lahore
Altaf Pervez Qasim Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal
Irum Majeed Instructor, Lahore School of Nursing, University of Lahore
Muhammad Afzal Principal, Lahore School of Nursing, University of Lahore
Ali Waqas Biostatistician Lahore School of Nursing, Lahore
Syed Amir Gillani Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2017.214

Keywords: Patient Rights, Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

Abstract

Background: Patient rights are defined as the rules of conduct between people who benefit from health services and the health institutions and personnel who provide them. The condition and protection of these rights are closely related to the nursing profession. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of working nurses regarding patient rights and to create the basis for educational program planned. Setting: Study was conducted in Punjab Institute of Cardiology Hospital (PIC) Lahore from1^st October, 2016 to 31^st March, 2017. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Methodology: The study was conducted among nurses of PIC Hospital, Lahore with special reference to the rights & privileges of patients towards health care provider (Nurses). The sample constituted 216 nurses working in Punjab Institute of Cardiology Hospital and they participated voluntarily. Data was collected through a pre-designed questionnaire to collect the relevant information about knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses regarding patient rights. The data obtained was analyzed by using SPSS method with chi square. The p value <0.05 accepted as statistically significant. Results: This study revealed that majority of nurses have knowledge about patient rights but attitudes and practices are poor. Approximately 50% of the nurses included in the study had experienced some problems regarding patient rights. It was recognized that the attitudes of nurses regarding patient rights differ for every patient whereas; the practices of the nurses in this study are poor. Conclusion: There is necessity for more studies on this topic of patient rights, as they play an important role in the improvement of health care services. In this regard, patient rights centers should be established. Studies having aim to teach health workers, patients and their relatives about patient rights must be carried out.