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KMID : 1025620090120020153
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Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
2009 Volume.12 No. 2 p.153 ~ p.164
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A Patient’s Right to Know and Self-Determination
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Ahn Sen-Hwa
Yoo Moon-Sook
Kim Yong-Soon
Bang Kyung-Sook
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Abstract
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Purpose: The purposes of this study were a) to examine the level of awareness among patients of their right to know and their right to self-determination, and b) to determine the relationship between patients’ awareness of these two rights.
Method: For this descriptive-correlational study, participants were recruited at the endoscopic examination rooms of two university hospitals. Responses to self-report questionnaires were collected from 236 participants from 20 December 2007 to 10 November 2008.
Results: On the basis of a five-point scale, the average scores were 3.67 for patients’ awareness of their right to know and 2.81 for their awareness of their right to self-determination. The relationship between their awareness of these two rights was not significant. The recognition of a patient’s right to know was higher among those with a college education. Awareness of a patient’s right to self-determination varied according to age, education level, and economic status.
Conclusion: There is an insufficient awareness among patients of their rights to know and to selfdetermination,
especially for those with a lower education. Nurses should consider a patient’s right to know when providing medical treatment and to assist their right to self-determination. Systematic educational programs on patients’ rights need to be developed for both patients and medical personnel.
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KEYWORD
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Patient’s rights, Personal autonomy, Right to know, Self-determination
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