An Iranian perspective on patients' rights

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Sociology of Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Understanding patient rights is crucial for quality healthcare.
• Sociocultural contexts significantly influence the perception and implementation of patient rights.
• Previous research often overlooks specific cultural nuances in patient rights discourse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of patients and their companions regarding patient rights in Iran.
• To identify the core concepts, barriers, and facilitators of patient rights within the Iranian sociocultural context.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological research design.
• Conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with patients and/or their companions in a Tehran teaching hospital.
• Utilized Benner's thematic analysis for data interpretation, supplemented by field notes.

Main Results:

• Identified three main categories: concept of patient rights, barriers, and facilitators.
• Key themes included: receiving real care, patient-centeredness, equality/accessibility, caregiver dissatisfaction, work environment limitations, the role of companions, system responsibility, and public awareness.
• Highlighted themes particularly relevant to the Iranian sociocultural context.

Conclusions:

• Patient rights are perceived through experiences of care, focus, and accessibility.
• Barriers include caregiver dissatisfaction and systemic issues, while companions and public awareness act as facilitators.
• Findings offer insights into patient rights within a specific cultural framework, distinct from international standards.