Delhi police recently arrested four people after two patients died post-surgery. Two doctors, one of their spouses, and a lab technician were allegedly performing surgeries without the necessary qualifications. Upon further investigation, it was found that multiple cases were filed against the clinic since 2016 for alleged medical negligence.
The primary tenet of healthcare is — ‘do no harm’. However, there’s overwhelming evidence of preventable patient harm across developed and emerging healthcare systems around the world. Nearly one in 10 patients is injured in healthcare and over three million deaths are caused by unsafe care every year. In a world where fake medical degrees can be created, incidents like these bring forth the question of patient rights and safety.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for a safety layer to empower patients with accurate information. For example, digital healthcare platforms can streamline these processes and verify all information, which can prevent the occurrence of such events. We cannot always depend on the government to set up processes as it is very difficult to monitor and audit every clinic physically.
However, technology systems can be used to streamline these processes bringing in transparency, by auditing and verifying qualifications, sharing reviews and feedback, thereby keeping patients rights above all. Therefore, accurate information matters.
Here are some ways in which digital healthcare companies help maintain patient rights and safety:
Choice of healthcare provider: Digital healthcare companies can provide accurate and verified information about various healthcare professionals such as their qualification, clinic details, specialisation etc making it easier for patients to take informed decisions.
Access to records: Online access to medical records allows patients to review their health information, track their medical history, and better understand their status, facilitating decision-making.
Patient feedback and reviews: Patient feedback and reviews can help individuals make more informed choices about their healthcare providers. It also encourages healthcare facilities to maintain high standards and address concerns promptly.
Communication and collaboration: Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for patient safety. Online platforms can facilitate communication, allowing patients to ask questions, report symptoms, and receive timely responses.
Transparency and accountability: Transparency in healthcare processes and outcomes fosters accountability. Digital platforms encourage transparency thereby adhering to patient rights to factual information.
Conclusion
With the plethora of healthcare delivery options available, the integration of technology aided by online platforms can significantly enhance patient rights, patient safety, and overall patient well-being. That said, all the stakeholders within the ecosystem need to work together to ensure patient centric care, because only then can we assure safety of patients which is the cornerstone of any healthcare system.
—The author, Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi, is a Stanford-India Biodesign Fellow, and a senior ENT consultant at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru. The views expressed are personal.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
First Published: Jan 3, 2024 10:15 AM IST
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