Healthcare Professionals' Perception Regarding Patient Rights and Safety in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient safety and rights are the most crucial aspects of healthcare quality. In Saudi Arabia, there is a paucity of evidence concerning the perspectives of healthcare providers on the rights and safety of patients. Hence, this study aimed to assess the perceptions of healthcare providers toward patients' rights and safety in Najran, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Najran, Saudi Arabia, from December 2022 to October 2023, utilizing an online survey. This study included 307 healthcare providers who responded to the questionnaire via Google web link (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, United States). RESULTS: The present research comprised 307 healthcare personnel, of whom 65.8% were male and possessed a variety of academic backgrounds. The participants exhibited a high level of support for patients' rights, as evidenced by their agreement with 88.4-90% of questions on a variety of dimensions; this demonstrated their dedication to providing patient-centered care. Concerning medical errors, a significant proportion of respondents (74.9-86.1%) exhibited comprehensive comprehension and a readiness to disclose such incidents. Diverse viewpoints surfaced regarding the attribution of errors, the necessity of reporting, and the accountability for disclosure. The interdependence of patient rights and attitudes towards patient safety was highlighted by substantial positive correlations. CONCLUSION: The viewpoints of healthcare professionals regarding medical errors and patients' liberties were discussed in this study. Advocacy for patients' rights is indicative of a commitment to patient-centered care that prioritizes autonomy and transparency. Although most participants demonstrated a willingness to report medical errors and possess a solid comprehension of their causes, divergent views emerged regarding attribution and disclosure. The interrelation between patient rights and attitudes toward patient safety was supported by positive correlations. The significance of continuous education in healthcare to promote a safety culture and enhance patient-centric practices is underscored by these results. Future research is needed to investigate the effects of culturally tailored interventions on the attitudes and practices of healthcare providers in Najran with regard to patient rights and safety.