Responsibilities of a Patient

1. Providing Accurate and Complete Information

• Give honest, full details about current symptoms, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), allergies, and lifestyle habits (diet, smoking, alcohol, substance use).
• Report unexpected changes in condition promptly to the care team.
• Disclose information about home environment and social factors that may affect care.

2. Active Participation in Care

• Ask questions whenever instructions, diagnoses, or treatment plans are unclear.
• Engage in shared decision-making with healthcare providers.
• Understand and acknowledge the nature of proposed treatments, including risks and alternatives (informed consent).

3. Following the Agreed Treatment Plan

• Take medications as prescribed - including the correct dose, timing, and duration.
• Follow dietary, activity, and lifestyle instructions given by the care team.
• Attend scheduled appointments and follow-up visits.
• Accept responsibility for outcomes if they choose not to follow medical advice.

4. Respecting Healthcare Staff, Other Patients, and Facilities

• Treat all healthcare personnel, other patients, and staff with courtesy and respect.
• Refrain from abusive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior.
• Follow hospital or clinic rules, regulations, and policies (e.g. visiting hours, no-smoking policies, noise restrictions).
• Take care of hospital property and equipment.

5. Financial Responsibility

• Fulfill financial obligations for services received, including co-pays, insurance claims, and billing arrangements.
• Provide accurate insurance and personal financial information.
• Seek assistance promptly if financial difficulties arise so arrangements can be made.

6. Informed Refusal and Accepting Consequences

• If a patient chooses to refuse treatment or leave against medical advice, they bear responsibility for the outcomes of that decision.
• They should sign appropriate forms acknowledging their refusal and that they have been informed of the risks.

7. Reporting Perceived Risks and Safety Concerns

• Alert caregivers to perceived risks in their own care - such as confusion about medications, concerns about procedures, or a feeling that something seems wrong.
• Report pain as soon as it begins rather than enduring it silently; communication about pain is both a right and a responsibility according to National Park Medical Center's Patient Rights.

8. Honesty and Confidentiality Obligations

• Patients are expected to be honest with their healthcare team. Providing false information (e.g., denying drug use, hiding other treatments) can directly harm the quality of care received.
• They should respect the confidentiality and privacy of other patients they encounter in healthcare settings.

9. Participation in Safety

• Verify their own identity when asked (e.g., confirming name and date of birth before procedures).
• Confirm they are receiving the right medication or procedure if uncertain.
• The American Hospital Association's Patient Care Partnership emphasizes that patients share responsibility for a clean and safe environment.

10. Autonomy and Self-Governance

• Take an active role in the healing process
• Collaborate with their physician rather than remaining passive
• Follow through on mutually agreed-upon plans

Summary Table