Health and human rights: Rights-based decision-making in healthcare settings

This report explores real-world examples of rights-based decision-making (RBDM) in Scotland’s healthcare settings. Applying the PANEL Principles and FAIR framework, it finds promising but limited evidence of practice that fully reflects a human rights-based approach. To support improvement, the research team developed a practical RBDM flowchart designed to help healthcare professionals embed rights into decision-making. The report also makes recommendations for training, engagement, and further research to strengthen implementation across the sector.