Browsing by Author "Nevhutalu, Helen Khanyisa"
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- ItemEquity, equality in health care : priorities in the allocation of technologically sophisticated and expensive health care resources(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998) Nevhutalu, Helen Khanyisa; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of . Dept. of .
- ItemPatient's rights in South Africa's public health system : Moral-critical perspectives(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Nevhutalu, Helen Khanyisa; Hattingh, J. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this dissertation is to critically investigate the nature, status and efficacy of the application of patients‟ rights in the South African context, with particular reference to the situation of healthcare in the public sector (particularly public hospitals in urban settings). The study focuses initially on the ethical and moral grounding of human rights. Justice theories or theoretical perspectives are themselves abstract; however, they serve as a useful philosophical background that shape worldwide thought on the concept of “human rights”. These philosophies lend a high degree of credibility to the notion of human dignity and therefore provide great wisdom in dealing with complex medico-ethical issues, such as patients‟ rights. From human rights to patients‟ rights, the notion of rights is mapped out by following the historical development of the human rights culture internationally, regionally and locally. Against this backdrop, an exposé of South Africa‟s record in dealing with socio-economic rights is given by presenting Constitutional Court cases in the country dealing with socio-economic rights. The issue of economic, social and cultural rights cannot be dealt with without engaging in a discussion of the very idea of human rights. Perspectives on patients‟ rights – the moral principles of autonomy, respect, informed consent and confidentiality and privacy, which form the core of patient‟s rights – are discussed in detail, focusing on their application to clinical settings. It is necessary to assess whether there is a correlation between theory (international, regional and local human rights instruments, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the National Patients‟ Rights Charter of 1999 (PRC) and practice (the realities at the patient‟s bedside). The only way in which one can assess the realisation and enforcement of patient‟s rights is to go to a public hospital and ascertain from patients (out-patients and in-patients) as well as staff (all categories, including hospital management) what their opinions are about the realisation or non-realisation of patients‟ rights at that particular hospital. A case study (an ethics audit) of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) is presented in this dissertation. Firstly, the researcher analyses the case study and identifies evidence of infringements and violations of patients‟ rights; secondly, key problems hindering the realisation of patient‟s rights at CHBH are identified and discussed. Case studies and research projects subsequent to the CHBH case study that focus on the implementation of the PRC and respect for patients‟ rights are also given serious consideration in this dissertation. Based on the findings from the ethics audit, case studies, and empirical studies including media reports, a reassessment of patient‟s rights in the South African context is considered. Wide-ranging recommendations are made to various stakeholders, such as the national Department of Health, Provincial Health Departments, professional associations and regulatory bodies, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations. The study proposes a consultative process based on mutual respect, a non-confrontational attitude and trust between healthcare authorities and/or providers and the receivers of care (in-patients and out-patients), with the aim of initiating robust discussions about patients‟ rights in South Africa‟s public hospitals, which, it is hoped, will culminate in a resilient patient care policy and/or a revised patients‟ rights charter (if needed) for South Africa.