Different Health Care Professional Perspectives of Patients’ Rights Bill in Iran

Introduction: To promote equitable health care, it is important to consider patients’ rights. Patientsʹ rights vary in different countries, often depending upon prevailing cultural and social norms. Although there is a published Patient’s rights bill in Iran prepared by Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 2001, it is needed to know the view of different professionals to improve the quality of this ethical guideline. The aim of this study is to assess the perspectives of health professional on Patients’ Rights Bill in Iran. Method: In this qualitative study semi-structured interview were conducted with thirty professional consists of nurses, physicians and midwives working in three teaching hospitals in Tehran. Purposive sampling was used for gathering information. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged from analysis of this qualitative study. The categories were: (1) the concept of patients’ rights; (2) obstacles to patients’ rights; and (3) advocating of patients’ rights. Sub categories for the first main theme were identified as knowledge about disease and choosing health care providers and treatment plans, receiving real care. The distinctive themes for the second category consist of ignoring the social and cultural background of patients, respect and discrimination, hospital’s educational setting, financial problems and giving information to patients and their companions. For the third category, the themes were consisted of existing responsible system and supervising on performance of the patient’s right bill. Certain themes identified in this study resemble those identified in international patients’ bills of rights. The current study focused on themes that are particularly relevant to the Iranian socio-cultural context. Conclusion: Healthcare professional’s perspective leads us to identify the main factors that affect patients’ rights and to make informed change.