Patients' and healthcare professionals' awareness of and attitudes toward patients' rights

Abstract

Background: The confidentiality and security of patient data are critical for fostering trust in healthcare and clinical research. While healthcare professionals (HCPs) are key stakeholders in safeguarding this information, their knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward data privacy and security remain underexplored, particularly in the context of regulatory frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the National Committee of Bioethics (NCBE) guidelines.
Methods: This study evaluate HCPs' understanding and perspectives on patient data privacy and security. A survey was conducted among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists (N=150) to assess demographic characteristics, , and perceptions of Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Research Ethics Committee (REC) regulations. Semistructured interviews, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, explored attitudes and barriers to compliance with privacy regulations. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and regression models, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Results: Among respondents, women constituted 64.81%, and most participants were aged 44 years or younger. Nearly 65% reported prior research involvement, and active researchers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores. Over 80% of participants recognized the role of IRB/REC regulations in enhancing data security and participant trust. Qualitative findings highlighted barriers such as insufficient training and perceived complexity of compliance processes.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of fostering a culture of data security within clinical practice and research. Targeted educational initiatives and increased HCP involvement in research are critical for bridging knowledge gaps and promoting adherence to privacy and security regulations. Strengthening IRB/REC processes can further enhance the ethical conduct of clinical research.