Confidentiality and Privacy Breaches in a University Hospital Emergency Department

摘要: Objective: To determine the frequency of visual and auditory confidentiality privacy breaches in a university ED. Methods: A prospective, observational study medical personnel behavior was performed using participant direct observation techniques. Observations were made tertiary referral trauma center emergency facility. Observers recorded various patient care areas during 1-hour periods. Information collected included name or room number, complaint/diagnosis, diagnostic tests, past history, personal information. It then determined whether clear identification patient's face and/or an association to his her clinical course could be made. Results: All members health team committed breaches. Frequency dependent on location design. Breaches triage/waiting area occurred for >53% patients. near physician/nursing station ranged from 3 24 per hour 1.5 3.4 hour. Other inappropriate comments also noted. One hundred consecutive patients family interviewed at ED release, with only 2/100 having noticed status board, although neither recall any specific details. Conclusion: Confidentiality occur by all team. The architecture floor plan affect privacy.