[ relationship between knowledge and observance of patients' rights in rehabilitation centers of Tehran]

ABSTRACT

Patients, regardless of their age, sex, race, and other differences, have a right to knowledge, choice, respect, confidentiality, territoriality, and efficient care and treatment in health care settings. Rehabilitation experts, like other health care providers, should be knowledgeable and observant of these rights. This study was designed to determine the relationship between experts' knowledge of patients' rights and their level of observance of these rights. In this cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, all experts working in rehabilitation and welfare centers in the city of Tehran with at least 6 months work experience were included by census method. Sixty-two experts were examined by a questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability, consisting of 2 subscales measuring knowledge and observance of the participants on patients' rights. Of all the participants, 79% were female and 77.4% had bachelor's degrees. The mean age was 35.9 [SD=8] years. Knowledge on patients' rights was at the very good level in 59.7%, at the good level in 35.55%, and at the moderate level in 5.3%. Observance of patients' rights was at the weak level in 13.6%, at the moderate level in 79%, and at the good level in 8.5%. Mean level of observance had significant relationships with sex [p < 0.02] and educational level [p < 0.03]. The relationship between knowledge and observance was significant at the 0.001 level. Data showed significant relationships between the experts' knowledge and observance in the domain of patients' rights. It is recommended to hold training courses on patients' rights for rehabilitation staff