Mirela Tushe
Background: The protection and promotion of patient rights in psychiatric settings are fundamental to ethical healthcare and the delivery of person-centered care. However, numerous studies indicate a persistent gap between the theoretical frameworks supporting patient rights and their practical application. This gap is often reflected in the differing perceptions of patients and psychiatric nurses regarding autonomy, informed consent, and the use of coercive measures. While mental health professionals strive to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness, patients frequently report feelings of exclusion, disempowerment, and a lack of understanding about their rights.
Objective: This review aims to analyze the current body of literature concerning the perceptions of both psychiatric patients and nursing professionals toward fundamental rights in mental healthcare. The goal is to identify shared challenges, points of divergence, and opportunities for improving the ethical standards of psychiatric practice through education, communication, and policy reform.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using systematic searches of peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2021 in the Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases. The search strategy included keywords such as “patient rights,” “psychiatric nursing,” “coercion,” and “informed consent.” Studies were selected based on relevance, quality, and their focus on the experiences of patients and healthcare providers in psychiatric settings. A total of 10 high-quality studies were reviewed and synthesized thematically.
Results: Three major themes were identified across the literature: (1) communication barriers between staff and patients, (2) limited patient involvement in decision-making, and (3) the frequent use of restrictive measures such as seclusion and involuntary treatment. These themes highlight ethical tensions in practice and reveal a consistent need for more rights-oriented approaches in psychiatric care. Nurses reported challenges in balancing safety with autonomy, while patients expressed a desire for more clarity, respect, and involvement in their care.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that achieving truly ethical psychiatric care requires significant changes in institutional culture, professional training, and policy enforcement. Communication must be prioritized, patient autonomy should be respected through shared decision-making, and the use of coercive interventions must be minimized. Promoting mutual respect and understanding between healthcare providers and patients is essential for building trust and safeguarding dignity in mental healthcare settings.