Abstract

Objective: This qualitative study was to collect suggestions on modernization of the Cyprus Law concerning patients’ rights.

Methods: This comprises interviews with nine renowned professionals, as Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Nurse, Sociologist, Theologist, Educator and Executives representing patient unions. A simple, fourquestion questionnaire, with open-ended questions was provided, asking to make comments on current Law utility, if the Law has become old fashioned, if the Law contains any oversights and if they have any suggestions concerning its modernization.

Result-Conclusions: Most interviewees agreed on the significant utility of existing legislation, agreed patients now hold more autonomy over medical decisions, amendments and updates of the existing Law are an urgent necessity, as are further audit amendments. Results of previous complaints investigations should be published and disseminated, theory and experience acquired by the recent implementation of General Health System should be taken into account, legislation should include that doctors and nurses should respect fully patients’ refusal to therapy and that patients themselves should participate in health care policymaking.

Keywords:Cyprus Law; Medical Law and Ethics; Patients’ Rights