Experiences of healthcare professionals and patients regarding patient privacy in ICU

Background Intensive care is essential for critically ill patients who experience loss of personal identity and restricted physical and emotional expression. However, patient privacy in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) remains inadequately protected, with both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) reporting breaches. Cultural backgrounds and individual perspectives of patients and HCPs significantly shape their views on privacy. In China, discourse on ICU patient privacy is still in its early stages. Research aim This study aims to explore the experiences of HCPs and patients regarding the patient privacy in ICU under the Chinese background. Research design A qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling methods for semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews, followed by thematic analysis to identify key themes. Participants and research context Six focus-group interviews (with a total of 33 nurses) were conducted, while seven doctors and 10 patients were interviewed individually from March to July 2024 at a tertiary hospital in China. Ethical considerations This study was approved by the hospital’s Ethics Committee (reference number: 2024-L-158). Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and data confidentiality was ensured through anonymization and encrypted storage. Findings Four themes were identified: (1) the coexistence of consensus and disagreement regarding privacy scope; (2) the paradoxical perception of privacy protection; (3) conflicting responses to privacy violation and (4) much has been done, but more is needed. Conclusions Minimizing exposure of ICU patients’ private areas and protecting their information are essential to safeguarding privacy. Education and training in bioethics can enhance HCPs’ sensitivity to ethical issues and improve practices regarding privacy protection. Teaching resilience and stress management can help mitigate psychological distress associated with privacy violations in ICU patients. Additionally, promoting HCPs’ privacy awareness, limiting visits by opposite-sex family members, and enhancing HCPs’ empathy are key strategies in this context.