Declaration on the promotion of patients' rights in Europe- Amsterdam March 1994 ABOUT THE DECLARATION The European Consultation on the Rights of Patients, held in Amsterdam on 28-30 March 1994 under the auspices of the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EURO), and hosted by the Govemment of the Netherlands, was attended by some 60 persons from 36 Member States. The purpose was to define principles and strategies for promoting the rights of patients, within the context of the health care reform process underway in most countries. The Consultation carne at the end of a long preparatory process, during which WHO/EURO encouraged the emerging movements in favour of patients' rights by, inter alia, carrying out studies and surveys on the development of patients' rights throughout Europe. These studies showed a common interest and a number of policy trends and normative initiatives in the European countries, indicating that additional support to policy development in many of those countries would be appropriate. The study results were published in the book : The Rights of Patients in Europe (WHO 1993). With the support of the Government of the Netherlands, and in broad consultation with govemments and other institutions in European countries, technical experts in the field drafted The Principles of Patients' Rights, a comprehensive text which could be meaningful and helpful in the development of country policies on patients' rights. The Declaration on the Promotion of Patients' Rights in Europe constitutes a common European framework for action and includes those principles, as endorsed by the Amsterdam Consultation. This declaration should be interpreted as an enhanced entitlement for citizens and patients in improving partnership in the process of care with health care providers and health services managers. The Principles on Patients' Rights endorsed at the Amsterdam Consultation should be interpreted by Member States as a solid reference and a dynamic tool capable of improving new thinking in the health care process. The complete proceedings of the consultation will be published as a separate publication during the current year. Copenhagen, April 1994 WHO Regional Office for Europe stupsertod stup4site