RSU research group develops guidelines for implementing patient rights plan in healthcare institutions

Starting from July 1, 2025, new requirements of the Law on the Rights of Patients will come into effect, stipulating that all healthcare institutions must purposefully and systematically promote the observance and protection of patient rights. This means that each inpatient and multidisciplinary outpatient facility will be required to develop and implement a specific plan for the implementation of patient rights.

To facilitate this process, the research group from the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Social Sciences Research Centre – Ph.D. Karina Palkova, Mg. iur., Ph.D. candidate Andreta Slavinska, Ph.D. Laura Šāberte, Dr. iur. Aldis Lieljuksis, and Ph.D. Ieva Bikava – with the support of the Ministry of Health, has developed guidelines for implementing a patient rights plan in healthcare institutions. The goal of these guidelines is to offer a practical, unified, and adaptable approach that helps healthcare institutions not only prepare their plan but also implement it effectively in practice.

The document titled "Guidelines for Implementing a Patient Rights Plan in Healthcare Institutions. Pilot Project 2025–2027" includes proposed activities aimed at ensuring patient rights, as well as recommendations for monitoring the plan, evaluating its effectiveness, and adapting it to changing conditions.

Assoc. Prof. Palkova notes that

'The protection of patient rights and patient safety are fundamental values of modern healthcare, based on respectful and responsible interaction between patient and doctor.

To implement these principles in practice, a systematic approach is needed — the patient rights implementation plan helps healthcare institutions clearly structure their work, identify priorities, and ensure both the protection of patient rights and professional support for medical personnel in daily practice.'

For successful implementation of patient rights, close cooperation between state institutions, healthcare facilities, non-governmental organizations, and the wider society is especially important.

This plan is a significant step toward a healthcare environment where patient dignity, safety, and rights are placed among the highest values.

Healthcare institutions are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines, integrate the practical recommendations and examples into internal documents, and regularly review the practices of implementing patient rights.