The Patient Care Partnership is a guide created by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to help individuals understand their role during a hospital stay. The document outlines the rights, expectations, and responsibilities a patient has while receiving medical services. Its purpose is to clarify the relationship between patients and healthcare providers, establishing a foundation of mutual understanding for optimal care.
The Conceptual Shift to Partnership
The AHA introduced the Patient Care Partnership to replace the older, legally-focused Patient’s Bill of Rights. This change reflects a fundamental shift in healthcare philosophy. By using “Partnership,” the AHA emphasizes that receiving care is a collaborative process, not a passive experience where services are simply delivered to the patient. The new model encourages shared decision-making, acknowledging that patients are active participants in their own health and recovery. It focuses on a relationship where both the patient and the care team have mutual accountability. Better health outcomes are achieved when the patient is fully engaged and informed, integrating their preferences and values into the overall treatment strategy.
Patient Expectations from the Care Team
Patients should expect high-quality hospital care delivered with respect, compassion, and skill from all personnel. This includes having their pain appropriately assessed and managed throughout their stay.
A foundational expectation is the right to receive clear, current, and understandable information regarding their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis before any procedure. The principle of informed consent requires that patients understand the benefits, risks, and potential long-term effects of each treatment, including whether any proposed care is experimental or part of a research study. Patients have the ability to participate actively in decisions about their care plan and can refuse a recommended treatment after being fully informed of the medical consequences of that decision.
Furthermore, patients have the right to know the identity and professional role of all doctors, nurses, and other individuals involved in their care, especially if they are students or trainees. Protection of privacy is a major expectation, with state and federal laws safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records and health information.
Patients have the right to a clean and safe environment, with hospitals employing specific procedures to prevent errors and protect patients from abuse or neglect. Finally, patients can expect assistance when leaving the hospital, including help with self-care instructions, medication management, and understanding their hospital bill and insurance claims process.
Responsibilities of the Patient
Patients have important responsibilities that contribute to the success of their care. Patients are expected to provide accurate and complete information about their past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and any other matters related to their health. Withholding details about current symptoms or medical history can directly affect the accuracy of a diagnosis and the efficacy of the treatment plan.
Patients should actively engage in their care by asking questions when they do not understand any aspect of their diagnosis, proposed treatment, or instructions. This proactive communication helps to eliminate ambiguity and ensures the patient is fully prepared to make informed decisions.
A primary responsibility is to follow the agreed-upon treatment plan, including taking medications as prescribed and adhering to any dietary or activity restrictions. If a patient is unable to follow the treatment plan for any reason, they are responsible for discussing this with their physician so that alternative arrangements or modifications can be made.
Patients must also be considerate of the healthcare staff and other patients by following hospital rules and regulations concerning noise, visitors, and smoking. Treating caregivers with respect is a necessary component of the partnership.