Informed consent in Croatia. A work in progress

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Socio-political transitions
• Patient rights

Background:

• Croatia is undergoing significant political and economic transformation.
• These changes impact the national healthcare system.
• Patient rights and informed consent are key areas affected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution of patients' rights in Croatia.
• To examine the development of informed consent practices.
• To understand the healthcare system's adaptation during socio-political change.

Main Methods:

• Review of legislative changes.
• Analysis of healthcare policy reforms.
• Examination of patient advocacy group reports.

Main Results:

• Progress has been made in establishing formal patient rights.
• Informed consent procedures are increasingly recognized.
• Challenges remain in full implementation and public awareness.

Conclusions:

• The Croatian healthcare system is adapting to new socio-political realities.
• Continued efforts are needed to strengthen patient autonomy and rights.
• Monitoring the impact of reforms on informed consent is crucial.