Right to know

Right to Know

Right to Know (pronunciation: rait tu noh) is a term used in the medical ethics and healthcare fields. It refers to the patient's right to receive all relevant information about their health, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. This concept is closely related to the principles of informed consent and patient autonomy.

Etymology

The term "Right to Know" originates from the broader concept of the "right to information," which is a fundamental human right recognized in international law. In the context of healthcare, it has been adapted to emphasize the importance of transparency and communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Related Terms

Informed Consent: A process in which a healthcare provider educates a patient about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure or treatment. The patient must provide their voluntary consent before the procedure or treatment can be carried out.

Patient Autonomy: The right of patients to make informed decisions about their medical care. This is based on the ethical principle of respect for autonomy, which recognizes the individual's right to self-determination.

Medical Ethics: The field of applied ethics which deals with the moral decisions involved in the practice of medicine. It includes principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy.

Healthcare Provider: A person or institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families, or communities.

Healthcare Communication: The process of sharing, and interpreting, health-related information between the healthcare provider and the patient. It is a key component of patient-centered care and contributes to the patient's right to know.