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Empowering Practitioners: Integrating Human Rights into Patient Care

Empowering Practitioners: Integrating Human Rights into Patient Care
Human rights in patient care (HRPC) is a revolutionary concept that redefines the interaction between health care providers and patients. Rooted in the inherent dignity of every individual, HRPC emphasizes the importance of respecting and upholding human rights within health care settings. The special collection "Human rights in patient care: a special collection" published in Public Health Reviews offers valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their skills and improve the quality of care they provide.

Understanding Human Rights in Patient Care

HRPC brings human rights principles into health care delivery, addressing the rights of both patients and health care providers. Unlike the concept of "patients' rights," HRPC is not merely about consumer transactions but is rooted in human dignity. It also acknowledges the dual loyalty of health care providers, who often face simultaneous obligations to patients and other parties, such as the state.

The special collection highlights several key areas where HRPC can be applied:


Practical Applications for Practitioners

For practitioners, integrating HRPC into their practice involves understanding and applying the legal obligations and human rights norms that govern patient care. Here are some actionable steps based on the research:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Team

Understanding the legal framework surrounding HRPC is crucial. Practitioners should familiarize themselves with Practitioner Guides, which offer detailed, practical advice on both litigation and alternative mechanisms for protecting patient and provider rights. These guides are developed by interdisciplinary teams of lawyers, doctors, and international experts.

2. Advocate for Safe Working Conditions

Health care providers often face unsafe working conditions and sanctions for providing evidence-based care. Advocacy for safer working environments and independence in clinical decision-making is essential. Practitioners can use HRPC principles to push for systemic changes that protect both patients and providers.

3. Implement Patient-Friendly Materials

Providing patients with easy-to-understand information about their rights and remedies is a key aspect of HRPC. Collaborate with community partners to create and distribute these materials, ensuring they are tailored to marginalized populations.

4. Engage in Continuous Learning and Training

Human rights education for health professionals can lead to significant changes in behavior and culture within health care settings. Engage in continuous learning and training programs that focus on HRPC principles and their practical application.

5. Participate in Advocacy and Community Mobilization

Advocacy and community mobilization are critical components of HRPC. Practitioners should actively participate in initiatives that promote human rights in patient care, working alongside community leaders and organizations to drive systemic change.


Encouraging Further Research

The special collection underscores the importance of ongoing research and scholarship in the field of HRPC. Engaging in research allows practitioners to explore new dimensions of HRPC and contribute to the evolving body of knowledge. By participating in research, practitioners can help develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced in health care settings.

For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, the special collection provides a comprehensive overview of HRPC and its various applications. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Human rights in patient care: a special collection.


Conclusion

Integrating HRPC principles into health care practice can lead to more equitable and compassionate care for all patients. By educating themselves, advocating for better working conditions, implementing patient-friendly materials, engaging in continuous learning, and participating in advocacy, practitioners can significantly improve the quality of care they provide.

As we move forward, let us remember that health care settings should be places of care, respect, and dignity for everyone.


Citation: Ezer, T., & Overall, J. (2020). Human rights in patient care: a special collection. Public Health Reviews, 41(32). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40985-020-00144-3
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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