What Happens When the History and Physical Exam Are Not Private?

Although privacy is important in physician-patient interactions, there has been limited research on the effects of practicing medicine without privacy. Investigators surveyed over 400 emergency physicians at a national conference to determine how they altered their care when the patient was in the hallway or accompanied by another person.

Most respondents reported altering history-taking and physical examinations when practicing in a hallway (78% and 90%, respectively). Most also reported alterations when a patient's companion was present (84% and 77%). Respondents with ≥10 years' experience were about half as likely to alter history-taking when practicing in the hallway. Of those who reported altering history-taking or physical exam, 35% an…