pacjenci

Pacjenci (patients) are individuals who receive medical care from health professionals in hospitals, clinics, or other settings, including home health services. They may be inpatients, outpatients, or emergency patients whose needs range from preventive screenings to management of chronic illnesses and palliative care.

Rights and responsibilities: Patients have rights to be informed about their condition and options, to give informed consent, to confidentiality and privacy, and to access their medical records. They should participate in decisions about treatment and care, ask questions, and provide accurate health information. In turn, patients have responsibilities to follow agreed plans, attend appointments, and treat staff with respect.

Care processes: Primary care physicians often coordinate care, with specialists, nurses, and allied professionals contributing as needed. Shared decision-making, clear communication, and attention to health literacy support effective care. Digital tools such as electronic health records and patient portals can improve access to information while protecting privacy and complying with data protection rules (RODO/GDPR).

Safety and quality: Health systems emphasize patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement. Feedback from patients, complaints procedures, and patient representatives help identify problems and drive improvements in care.

Context in Poland: The Charter of Patient Rights (Karta Praw Pacjenta) and related regulations formalize patient rights within Poland. The National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ) funds public health services. The aim is universal access, though regional differences and wait times can affect care experiences.

Overall, patients are central to health care systems, with ongoing emphasis on person-centered care, transparency, and active engagement in decision-making.