Children's Rights in Health Care: The Views of Ombudsman Offices for Children and Youth and Patient Advocacies in Austria

Abstract

Aim The aim of the survey was to obtain a rough estimate of the number and type of reported violations of children's rights in the health care system, as well as an expert evaluation of the problem by the responsible institutions. Methods A written survey of all Austrian Ombudsman offices for Children and Youth (OCYs) and Patient Advocacy offices (PAs) asked for the number and type of potential violations of children's rights and their significance. Results Both institutions are consulted very rarely regarding children's rights in health care. OCYs report a higher awareness about children's rights, even though health care issues are legally incorporated in the PA offices. PAs report incoming complaints regarding children's health care even less often. Cooperation between the 2 institutions is insufficient. Participation rights/consent issues and health care service deficiencies have been identified as the main children's rights problems. Conclusions The low number of reported complaints as well the available literature indicates an insufficient awareness of supporting services and institutions for children's rights in health care in Austria. There is room for improvement in this area with more intensive cooperation between the responsible institutions, remediation of deficiencies in care, improved communication, and training and further education of personnel.