Azerbaijan: patient rights
A person being treated for leukaemia is not only receiving care but also taking part in decisions. This chapter explains the main patient rights in plain language and how to use them.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
The right to information — to know your diagnosis and plan in plain language.
The right to consent — to be given an explanation and to agree before a procedure.
Confidentiality — your information is shared only with your permission.
03Scientific explanation
International basis: the 1994 declaration of the WHO Regional Office for Europe sets out the rights to information, consent, confidentiality and care as the foundation of patient rights.
Asking questions: the NCI advises writing down questions about diagnosis and treatment in advance, bringing someone to appointments and asking again about anything unclear.
04What happens in the body?
Informed consent
Before a bone marrow test, line insertion, chemotherapy or transplant, the doctor should explain the aim, risks and alternatives. Ask your questions before you sign the consent form.
Records and confidentiality
You can ask for copies of test results, discharge summaries and reports. Medical information is protected by law; you decide what your relatives are told.
Partnership
The best results come from partnership with the team: you ask questions and give accurate information; the team explains and builds the plan with you.
05Using your rights
From question to records.
06Key points at a glance
| Topic | In brief |
|---|---|
 Informed consent | Before a bone marrow test, line insertion, chemotherapy or transplant, the doctor should explain the aim, risks and alternatives. Ask your questions before you sign the consent form. |
 Records and confidentiality | You can ask for copies of test results, discharge summaries and reports. Medical information is protected by law; you decide what your relatives are told. |
 Partnership | The best results come from partnership with the team: you ask questions and give accurate information; the team explains and builds the plan with you. |
07Key terms
- Informed consent
- Agreement to a procedure after an explanation.
- Confidentiality
- Not sharing medical information without permission.
- Medical record
- Test results, summaries, reports.
- Second opinion
- Another specialist’s view.
08Key points
- Information is your right.
- Consent follows explanation.
- Your information is confidential.
- You can ask for copies of records.
- Resolve disagreements calmly first.
09Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse treatment?
Yes, but the doctor must explain the consequences. Ask all your questions before deciding.
I cannot get my discharge summary — what now?
Write to the head of department or the institution’s management.
Can the doctor tell my relatives?
Only with your consent. Say in advance who may be told what.
10Questions for your doctor
Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.
Can I refuse treatment?
I cannot get my discharge summary — what now?
Can the doctor tell my relatives?
12Sources
- WHO Regional Office for Europe. A declaration on the promotion of patients’ rights in Europe (1994)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
- Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (in German)
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. For international patients
- Heidelberg University Hospital. Stem cell transplantation
- Heidelberg University Hospital. Treatment inquiry and appointment for international patients
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (in Spanish)
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra. International patients
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Onco-haematology therapies (in Italian)