Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) developed a patient bill of rights, the International Myeloma Patient Charter, to ensure that no matter where in the world a person lives the following principles apply to people affected by multiple myeloma and those involved in their lives and treatments. We believe that all parties involved in a patient’s journey have a responsibility to meet the expectations expressed in this document.
The goals of GMAN are to raise the profile and enhance the capabilities of patient advocacy groups around the globe and therefore:
- Elevate global awareness of multiple myeloma
- Ensure access to treatments and establish a fundamental level of patients’ rights
- Improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis
- Advance innovation in blood cancer through advocacy and clinical trial engagement
- Become a recognized global voice and advocate in multiple myeloma
People with Multiple Myeloma Have the Right to:
- Equitable and timely access to safe, effective, appropriate multiple myeloma treatment, care and support.
- Affordable access to medications and high-quality care, regardless of a person’s income or where they live.
- Timely diagnosis followed by timely, appropriate treatment, education and advice from their primary physicians, educators, nurses, pharmacists, and other appropriate specialists and advocates.
- Emotional and mental health support, as well as support for their caregivers.
- Be an active partner in decision making and information sharing with their health care providers.
- A second opinion and/or to change their primary physician or medical teams.
- Access to their own medical records and other health information, and have it easily understood.
- Information about myeloma, education and care that takes into account a person’s age, culture, religion, personal wishes, socio economic status, language and education levels.
- Privacy and confidentiality of their personal information protected. Personal privacy is maintained and confidential handling of personal health and other information is assured.
- Avoid unnecessary suffering and pain in each step of the illness.
There Is an Expectation That People with Multiple Myeloma Will:
- Be honest and open with their health providers about their current state of health so that the most suitable treatment plan can be prescribed for them.
- Actively seek out education, information and support to live well with multiple myeloma.
- Respect the rights of other people with multiple myeloma and health care providers.
Caregivers Have a Right to:
- Multiple myeloma information, education and support that takes into account a person’s age, culture, religion, personal wishes, language and schooling.
- Emotional and mental health support.
- Understand that the patient is receiving the best possible care.
- Be an active partner in decision-making with the patient and their health-care team, should the patient agree.
There Is an Expectation That Governments Will:
- Adopt comprehensive health policies and plans for the diagnosis, and treatment of multiple myeloma.
- Collect data on myeloma, such as: costs, incidence, survival, mortality and complications.
- Guarantee equitable and timely access to myeloma treatments,
- Provide access to treatment for all multiple myeloma patients.
- Provide a favorable research environment to promote discovery and access to clinical trials for innovative treatments.