The Perception of Privacy in the Emergency Department: Medical Faculty Hospital as A Case in Point

Authors : Hulya OZTURK, Omur SAYLİGİL, Ahmet MUSMUL, Nurdan ERGUN ACAR

Pages : 26-33

Doi:10.18521/ktd.356832

View : 40 | Download : 12

Publication Date : 2018-03-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :  Patient privacy is a complex concept that may be affected by many parameters in healthcare services, especially in Emergency (ER) Departments.  Objective: To examine the privacy of patients receiving healthcare and medical treatment in the ED, and to evaluate privacy-related problems, if any, from the ethical perspective.   Methods: The data-collecting instrument in this study was a survey form consisting of 11 questions seeking demographic information about participants and 15 privacy-related questions formulated as a 5-point Likert type scale. Results: The average age of participants was 42.23±1.716. 220 (96.5%) participants reported that they did not change the information they provide to physicians and nurses because such information may be overheard by others. 146 (64.0%) participants agree that paying attention to privacy in the ER is important. Age is a significant factor in perception of privacy. Women are more sensitive than men, and married patients are more sensitive than single patients with regard to privacy. Conclusions: Expectations related to the protection of privacy are closely associated with patients’ trust in physicians. While adhering to the principles of avoiding delays in treatment, physicians are required to respect patient privacy, with a view to meeting patient expectations.      
Keywords : Emergency Departments, Confidentiality, Patients' Rights