New report: Investigating knowledge and understanding of the right to health

New research report commissioned by the Academy explores knowledge and understanding of the right to health.

The Health and Social Care Academy (Academy Programme) commissioned research to investigate the accessibility of information for different groups on the right to health. The research was undertaken by independent researcher Helen Oxley. The report includes input from organisations representing several population groups and explores the limitations in accessing information about the right to health, alongside challenges in claiming and complaining about rights and barriers for specific groups in achieving equal access to the highest attainable standard of health.

Findings

The report highlights key findings including a lack of understanding amongst the public of the right to health and information pertaining to it. This is most significant for underrepresented groups and reflects wider structural inequalities. Some respondents highlighted a lack of understanding from NHS staff and services on their role in upholding individual’s rights.

Findings reveal that people often do not understand how to make a complaint, when their rights have not been met, due to the complex nature of complaints processes. Respondents suggested that only a small proportion of people who have access to resources, education, space, and experience are able to make a complaint. There can be fear of repercussion or victimisation which can prevent underrepresented groups or minority groups from making a complaint.

The research highlights existing resources and activities that have been undertaken to support people to understand the right to health including: public health messaging, policy analysis and advocacy, research, training and development, helpline services for individuals, outreach sessions, information resource production and collaborative work with other organisations.

A lack of trust within public institutions and services can also impact people’s willingness to engage with information about the right to health. People’s ability to engage with their right to health can be tied to self-identity, self-perception of worth, and social status. Respondents expressed concern about the onus being placed on individual’s to claim their rights rather than the responsibility of duty bearers to ensure rights are being fulfilled.

Respondent spoke about the need for a cultural shift where human rights and practices are embedded. They noted that training, capacity building, and resourcing would be need to underpin this.

Recommendations

The report concludes with a series of recommendations organised into three categories: Scottish Government and Healthcare bodies, the Third Sector and the ALLIANCE. Key themes within the recommendations include: the development of accessible information on human rights, human rights training for healthcare professionals, a streamlined complaints process, action to hold duty bearers to account and a commitment to research and engagement with those least likely to experience their rights.

The report is linked at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions about this research then you can get in touch with the Health and Social Care Academy at the following email Academy@alliance-scotland.org.uk

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