Lack of consent forms seen weakening patients’ rights

Just one generic consent form is available for patients in Mater Dei Hospital as opposed to a different one for every procedure, adding an extra push to lower Malta’s EU ranking on patients’ rights in a study.

The consent form problem is one of a number of elements which has led to the island being identified as “weak” in comparison to other member states.

Malta ranked 13th in the study by Active Citizens Network, which assessed member states on the basis of the 14 rights established in the 2002 European Charter of Patient’s Rights.

Access to new and free vaccines for children, right to health information and respect for patients’ time were among the other areas of concern highlighted in the survey.

On a positive note, however, pain therapy was found to be well respected in Malta and quality of health care systems was found to be good. Privacy was also found to be well respected.

Speaking during a conference on patients’ rights yesterday, organised by the Malta Health Network, Health Minister Joe Cassar emphasised the importance of patient information as part of their care, and also as a preventative measure.

“I am sorry to say that sometimes patients don’t ask enough, and I appeal to patients to do more of this,” he said.

Patients had the right to be informed about their condition and its treatment, he said. The informed patient was able to form a part in the control of their health condition and treatment.

“I believe if our population is well informed about medical conditions they can help to be more proactive and preventive about their health,” he said, pointing out that this did not only apply to infections. He announced that a Health Commissioner is to be appointed within the office of the Ombudsman to safeguard patient’s rights.

A local pilot study carried out in June and July last year found that 86 per cent of patients got answers to important questions they put to doctors and nurses.

However, 35 per cent said doctors spoke as if the patient was not in the room. Some 20 per cent of nurses were found to behave in a similar manner.

The same study found that half of patients said doctors always washed their hands before examining them, while 40 per cent said that they did not know.

The majority of patients said they felt involved in their treatment, while one fifth said they were not given enough information.

Speaking at the event, network vice president Philip Chircop urged those present, including a number of health professionals, to give attention to the human aspect of their patients.

“Even with a large number of rights, if you don’t look after the human aspect, you will have nothing,” he said.