Regional and gender-specific differences of the fulfilment of patients' rights: results of a representative population survey in Munich, Dresden, Vienna and Berne

Regional and gender-specific differences of the fulfilment of patients' rig hts: results of a representative population survey in Munich, Dresden, Vien na and Berne Objectives: The European Office of the World Health Organization formulated the Amsterdam Declaration in 1994, demanding thereby the realisation of th e principles of a humane health care. These principles relate to the protec tion of dignity of personhood, to self-determination, the right of informat ion, and the right of quality, continuity and equality in health care. The present study aims at a gender-specific analysis of the fulfilment of these rights. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted during the m onths February and March 2000 in four German speaking European cities (Muni ch, Dresden, Vienna and Berne). A paragraph of the Declaration on the Promo tion of Patients' Rights was regarded as fulfilled if there was at least 80 % agreement. Results: Deficiencies were most pronounced for the provision of community a nd domiciliary services after hospital treatment and for the right concerni ng humane terminal care and death in dignity. Moreover, regional difference s were found between Munich, Dresden and Vienna on one side and Berne on th e other side, with degrees of fulfilment being higher in Berne. Conclusions: In summary; these regional differences are more pronounced tha n single gender-specific differences, which may be due to chance. Areas wit h potential for improvement could be identified and can be actively restruc tured, 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 onl y sporadically in Berne requires more data.