Patients’ awareness of the Patients’ Rights Charter in selected hospitals of Limpopo province, South Africa

Background Patients’ awareness of their rights is important/critical because it creates a benchmark for effective nurse–patient communication and relationship. The objective of this study was to assess the patients’ awareness of the Patients’ Rights Charter in the selected hospitals of the Limpopo province, South Africa (SA). Methods Phenomenological research design was used. In total, 30 patients were interviewed during their hospital stay. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires that inquired about their awareness of the Patients’ Rights Charter. Results Results showed that patients lacked awareness of the Patients’ Rights Charter and they could not give examples or mention the rights they have as patients. The study revealed that sources of information regarding the Patients’ Rights were limited. Conclusions The majority of the participants were not aware of Patients’ Rights. Most of the participants could not mention any of the rights listed in the Patients’ Rights Charter of SA. There is a need to have Patients’ Rights awareness day on the health calendar in SA.