Examination of Applications to the Department of Rights of Patients from the Perspective of Medical Law

Abstract

Objective: The concept of Patient Rights is a core aspect of health law. In modern medicine, while the doctor-patient relationship was historically physician-centric, the development of patient rights has shifted the focus towards a patient-centered approach. In Turkey, the Patient Rights Regulation (PRR) was enacted in 1998. Subsequent revisions were made in 2014 to align with international treaties. With the PRR, patient rights units were established in hospitals, designed to serve as centers for processing complaints, suggestions, and requests from patients and their relatives. Our study aims to evaluate the submissions made to these patient rights units. Method: The study was conducted as a single-center retrospective analysis. Applications submitted to the Patient Rights Unit were reviewed. Personal data were anonymized prior to use. Descriptive statistics were calculated in numbers and percentages (%). Categorical data were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square test for both groups. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was established. Findings: Individuals from various educational backgrounds predominantly lodged complaints against physicians. University graduates were the most frequent complainants against physicians (44.7%), nurses (52.5%), hospital administrators (45.4%), and other hospital staff (43.3%). Patients and their immediate relatives mainly lodged complaints against physicians (p=0.001). Conclusion: As individuals' educational levels increase, they are more likely to legally assert their rights. Services in outpatient clinics and emergency departments are frequently cited as sources of complaints. To resolve conflicts, patient rights units need to engage more effectively in mediation efforts.