Supervisors info:
Σπυρίδων Βλαχόπουλος, Καθηγητής, Νομική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Γιάννης Τούντας, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Μαρία Καντζανού, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction: This study was conducted to record the information - knowledge of citizens about health law, as well as the experience they gained while receiving some kind of health service.
Objective: The first part of the study includes the bibliographic review of the topic (historical background, definitions of health and law, National, European and International context, citizens’ rights). The second part is the research part of the study aiming to explore the citizens' knowledge about health law but also their personal opinion and experience. The rights that were analysed are:1) The right to access appropriate health services 2) The right to people’s equal treatment 3) The right to have your personal data processed with care 4) The right to information and consent.
Methodology: This is a synchronic - descriptive study, which was conducted at the General Hospital Of Athens "G. Gennimatas", with the consent of the Scientific Council, in 2019. The total sample of the study is 205 participants, of which 90 are patients and 105 are attendants and visitors (general population). The participants were adults over 18 years old, their participation was completely voluntary and anonymous, while they were fully informed about the purpose of the research. The survey tool was a questionnaire made up of 47 questions, which was compiled after having studied the relevant literature. During the analysis of the sample, we compared the two groups (patients - general population) for any differences and then we analyzed the whole sample. For the study we used the descriptive and inferential statistics, the data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0, while the review was done in Greek and English.
Results: In this study, gender and age were not found to be related to the participants’ knowledge about citizens’ rights to health and the context of their protection. Patients - compared to the general population - were more dissatisfied with issues such as information (diagnosis, treatment) and access to health services (geographical distance, waiting time). Those living in semi-rural / rural areas and those with low incomes had greater difficulties accessing healthcare services. The group of citizens modestly agreed that they received adequate information and that confidentiality was maintained. Knowledge of health law protection mechanisms was lacking, however, the prevailing view was that the European Union maintains a safeguard for health. Finally, the high level of education, living in an urban area and young age seem to have had a positive effect on raising the citizens’ awareness towards socially vulnerable groups.
Conclusions: With the increasing complexity of healthcare systems and rapidly evolving medical technologies and methods, the biopsychosocial model, which defines the human-patient focus, is more necessary than ever. The education of citizens, but also of healthcare professionals in health law is imperative. Knowledge will enable people to get actively involved in their health’s care and not just be passive recipients of healthcare services.
Keywords:
Health rights, Patients' rights, Health, Healthcare, Right, Knowledge, Opinions
