Rights and Responsibilities

At Health Link Palliative Care, we believe in providing compassionate, patient-centered care that respects the dignity and individuality of every patient. Understanding your rights and responsibilities when receiving palliative care is crucial for ensuring that you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

‍

Patient Rights

‍

1. Right to Respect and Dignity

‍

You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times. This includes receiving care that is sensitive to your cultural, spiritual, and personal values, as well as your preferences for how care is delivered.

‍

2. Right to Informed Consent

‍

You have the right to receive clear, accurate, and timely information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. This information should be provided in a way that you understand, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care. You also have the right to give or withhold consent for any proposed treatments or procedures.

‍

3. Right to Participate in Care Decisions

‍

You have the right to be an active participant in your care planning. This includes being involved in discussions about your goals of care, the management of your symptoms, and the overall approach to your treatment. Your preferences and decisions should guide the care you receive.

‍

4. Right to Confidentiality

‍

Your personal health information is protected under law, and you have the right to expect that your privacy will be respected. Information about your health and treatment should only be shared with those directly involved in your care, unless you provide consent for broader disclosure.

‍

5. Right to Pain and Symptom Management

‍

You have the right to receive effective management of pain and other distressing symptoms. The goal of palliative care is to alleviate suffering and improve your quality of life, and your healthcare team is committed to ensuring that your symptoms are controlled to the greatest extent possible.

‍

6. Right to Continuity of Care

‍

You have the right to receive consistent and continuous care. This includes smooth transitions between different care settings (such as from hospital to home) and coordination between all members of your healthcare team.

‍

7. Right to Voice Complaints and Concerns

‍

You have the right to express any concerns or complaints about the care you receive, without fear of retribution. Your feedback is important, and you should expect that your concerns will be addressed promptly and fairly.

‍

Patient Responsibilities

‍

1. Responsibility to Communicate Openly

‍

To ensure that your care team can provide the best possible care, it’s important to communicate openly about your symptoms, concerns, and preferences. This includes providing accurate information about your health history, current medications, and any changes in your condition.

‍

2. Responsibility to Participate in Care

‍

While your care team is here to support you, your active participation in your care is essential. This means following the care plan that has been developed with your input, attending scheduled appointments, and adhering to prescribed treatments.

‍

3. Responsibility to Respect Others

‍

You are responsible for treating your healthcare providers and other patients with respect and consideration. A positive, collaborative environment helps ensure that everyone involved in your care can work together effectively.

‍

4. Responsibility to Understand Your Care

‍

You should make an effort to understand your care plan, including the treatments and services being provided. If you have questions or need further explanation, it’s important to ask your care team so that you fully understand your options and decisions.

‍

5. Responsibility to Report Concerns

‍

If you have any concerns about your care or feel that your rights are not being respected, it’s important to bring these issues to the attention of your healthcare providers. Open communication helps resolve issues and improve the quality of care for everyone.

‍

At Health Link Palliative Care, we are committed to providing care that is respectful, compassionate, and aligned with your values and needs. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps ensure that you receive the highest standard of care, and we are here to support you every step of the way.