ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF CLIENT ON THEIR RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY AT HAPPY HOSPITAL, BEREKUM

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of client on their right and responsibility at Happy Hospital, Berekum. Convenience sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. A total of 50 participants were selected for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the collection of data. Data analysis was done with the aid of Microsoft excel. The study found that majority (76%) of the respondents said they are aware of the patient’s charter. Majority (78%) of the respondents indicated the hospital as their main source of information about the charter followed by television (16%). Most (76%) of the respondents indicated that they had knowledge about patient’s rights. All (100%) the respondents indicated they are aware of right to health care and treatment. Majority of the respondents perceived that confidentiality of patient information (98%) and presence of a third person when a male doctor examines a woman (92%) were practiced by the nurses. The study recommended that Ministry of Health may need to provide educational programs to train all physicians and nurses in all aspects of the patient’s rights. Awareness of patients’ rights among health professionals should be assessed, as they are responsible for implementing such rights. The study concluded that patient’s had adequate knowledge regarding their rights. The awareness of patients about the patient’s charter was high. Among the leading rights patients were aware of are right to health care and treatment, right to be treated in a safe environment and right to privacy and confidentiality. The overall perception of the patients about nurses practice of their right was good.