Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH reviewing Stoklosa H et al. Emerg Med J 2018 Feb 3
Most emergency physicians reported altering the history and physical examination when they occurred in the hallway or in the presence of a patient’s companion.
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% and 41%, respectively, thought these alterations led to delay or failure to diagnose, mostly related to the genitourinary system.
Stoklosa H et al. Do EPs change their clinical behaviour in the hallway or when a companion is present? A cross-sectional survey. Emerg Med J 2018 Feb 3; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2017-207119)