Understanding patient rights is essential for promoting ethical medical practice and upholding human rights in healthcare. Previous research indicates that patients’ awareness of their rights varies widely. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of patient rights among individuals in Palestine and to examine healthcare professionals’ adherence to these rights. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from November 2023 to January 2024 across cities in the Northern West Bank. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires by three trained medical students. The relationship between participant characteristics and awareness levels was analyzed using the Chi-square test, with multivariate regression employed to adjust for potential confounding factors. Among the 400 patients surveyed, 47.0% demonstrated good awareness of their rights. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher awareness was significantly associated with patients aged 18–30 and 46–60 years, those with private insurance, individuals with more prior hospitalizations, those receiving care in non-governmental settings, and patients previously familiar with the patient rights charter. Awareness was greatest for receiving respectful care and lowest for staff introductions. Non-governmental facilities outperformed governmental ones in explaining procedures, alternatives, and costs, while both facility types scored highly in non-discrimination and informed consent practices. The findings highlight persistent global gaps in patient rights awareness and implementation, with over half of participants lacking sufficient knowledge. Key shortcomings were observed in patient involvement in decision-making, disclosure of procedures and costs, and access to complaint mechanisms, particularly within governmental hospitals. Implementing comprehensive, culturally sensitive programs through multisectoral collaboration is vital to translate patient-centered care principles into consistent and effective practice worldwide.
