A patient has the right to the most advanced healthcare that can be provided based on the best knowledge. Discrimination based on sex, religion, opinion, nationality, race, color, economic status, and birth is prohibited.
Patient's rights
Patients are entitled to information about their health, recovery prospects, and planned treatment. Patients have the right to decide whether to receive treatment.
Patients must be active participants when it comes to their treatment. This way, they contribute to their safety, making the service more effective.
Each person's medical record is kept at a health institution or by a person's doctor. If a patient or their representative wants to see the medical record or a part of it, the healthcare provider must show it.
Much can be done to improve your safety in health care, actively monitor your treatment, thereby contributing to your safety and quality of care.
Safety in healthcare
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You are the centre of your healthcare. According to the Patient Rights Act, you have the right to seek the opinion of another healthcare professional about your treatment condition and recovery prospects. Talking to others with the same health problem can also be good.
Ask too much rather than too little. You must understand the reasons for the tests you undergo, their results, and your treatment. Don't settle for answers you don't understand. You have a right to information on your health under the Patient Rights Act.
Find out what concerns you, such as diagnosis, test results, and treatment plan. Get information about your health problem in brochures and on approved websites.
Write down important information, notes and questions you may have so you don't forget to ask them.
Monitor the health care you receive. Make sure you get the right medicine and the proper treatment. Don't expect everything to go smoothly. If you cannot monitor the medication, get a family member to help you.
Pay attention to healthcare professionals handwashing, as handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infections. The same applies to those who come to visit you at a health institution. Ask people to wash their hands.
Talk about your daily habits and lifestyle. It is essential to inform what medicines you are taking, about possible allergies, your diet, and whether you are receiving any other treatment, such as alternative treatment.
It can be good to have someone with you when you meet a healthcare professional or stay in a healthcare institution. This person can follow up, ask further questions, and take care of your rights.
If you don't want or don't feel confident talking to health professionals about tests or their results, you can nominate someone else in your place.
Get information about follow-up treatment when you get home and what to do yourself regarding your treatment.
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Make sure healthcare professionals know who you are – for example, by checking your ID or asking your name – before giving you medicine.
Don't be afraid to inform healthcare professionals if you're not sure you're being given the right medicine.
Find out what time you should receive your medication. Notify healthcare professionals if you do not receive the medicine on time.
Notify your healthcare professional if you feel unwell after medication. Seek help immediately if you are experiencing side effects or drug allergies.
If you receive a drug infusion (intravenous infusion), find out which drug it is. Also, find out how long the medication should take and notify healthcare professionals if the medicine goes in too quickly or too slowly.
Have a list of all your medicines, and ensure you get them all.
If you cannot monitor the medication, get a family member to help you.
Confidentiality
All healthcare professionals are bound by medical confidentiality. An exception can be made if it is evident that confidentiality causes more harm than breaking it.
