[Regional and sex-specific differences in fulfillment of patient rights: results of a representative population survey in Munich, Dresden, Vienna and Bern]

OBJECTIVES

The European Office of the World Health Organization formulated the Amsterdam Declaration in 1994, demanding thereby the realisation of the principles of a humane health care. These principles relate to the protection of dignity of personhood, to self-determination, the right of information, and the right of quality, continuity and equality in health care. The present study aims at a gender-specific analysis of the fulfillment of these rights.

METHODS

Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted during the months February and March 2000 in four German speaking European cities (Munich, Dresden, Vienna and Berne). A paragraph of the Declaration on the Promotion of Patients' Rights was regarded as fulfilled if there was at least 80% agreement.

RESULTS

Deficiencies were most pronounced for the provision of community and domiciliary services after hospital treatment and for the right concerning humane terminal care and death in dignity. Moreover, regional differences were found between Munich, Dresden and Vienna on one side and Berne on the other side, with degrees of fulfillment being higher in Berne.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these regional differences are more pronounced than single gender-specific differences, which may be due to chance. Areas with potential for improvement could be identified and can be actively restructured, e.g., in the context of the setting of health targets. An evaluation of the influence of the managed care system which has been established only sporadically in Berne requires more data.