Your Responsibilities as a Patient-
Ensure Safe and Effective Care
As patients, we all expect the best treatment, safe and effective outcomes from
our healthcare providers. As patients, we have our rights; equally, we also have
our responsibilities, which we need to be aware of. These responsibilities, if
properly discharged, help providers and caregivers immensely.
- Provide accurate and complete information to your doctor about your
medical history and reports, current symptoms, known allergies, any
medications or supplements you are taking and any past treatments.
Timely and full disclosure helps in accurate diagnosis and safer care.
- Ask questions and clarify doubts about your health situation, diagnosis,
medications or treatment plan. If you do not understand something, ask
your healthcare provider to explain. This helps avoid errors and ensures
better follow-through.
- Follow the treatment plan strictly: Take medications as prescribed, set
diagnostic tests on time, attend review appointments and follow diet,
exercise, and lifestyle recommendations. Inform your doctor immediately
if you notice any side effects or new symptoms. You are responsible for
any adverse effects of non-compliance.
- Avoid self-medication and over-the-counter drug misuse. Taking
antibiotics, steroids, painkillers, or sleeping pills without medical advice
can cause harmful side effects, delayed diagnosis or even antimicrobial
resistance. Do not use other people's prescriptions/treatment plans.
- Be an active participant in your safety. Confirm your identity before
tests or procedures, check medicine labels and doses, ask for
clarifications and ensure hygiene practices like handwashing are followed
during care delivery.
- Understand your medical records and discharge instructions. Take
time to read your prescriptions, investigation reports and discharge advice
carefully. Ask questions to ensure clarity and follow post-hospitalisation
care properly.
- Respect your healthcare team and other patients by being punctual for
appointments, notifying the doctor in case of delays and communicating
politely. Avoid disruptive behaviour and follow hospital policies,
including visitor rules. Be mindful not to damage hospital property or
inconvenience fellow patients, limiting noise, mobile use and unnecessary
disturbances in shared spaces.
- Understand and manage your financial obligations. Check the likely
cost of treatment and plan your insurance and finances, and ensure
prompt payment of bills. Request a clear, itemised bill if needed.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle practices as advised by your doctor. Your
recovery and continued well-being depend significantly on following a
diet, rest, stress control, physical activity as advised and avoiding
tobacco, alcohol or unsafe habits. You are an equal stakeholder in your
health.
- Provide constructive feedback and share your experiences. If
you have concerns or suggestions about treatment, facilities, billing or
staff behaviour, share them respectfully. Your feedback helps improve
care for future patients.
