Patients’ perspectives and experiences of privacy: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Patient privacy is a fundamental value and core ethical principle in healthcare. In Turkey, privacy is protected by legal regulations while also shaped by cultural and religious norms, which together influence how it is perceived and practiced in clinical settings.

Aim

This study explores how adult hospitalized patients perceive and experience patient privacy.

Research Design

A descriptive qualitative approach guided by COREQ checklist was employed.

Participants and Research Context

Purposive sampling was used to ensure variation, and thirty-three adult inpatients from general medical and surgical wards in five hospitals across Ankara participated in the study between the period of October and November 2024. Data collection involved face-to-face semi-structured interviews, and data saturation was reached when no additional findings, codes, or themes emerged. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. Some of the patient statements were included to illustrate key points.

Ethical Considerations

Approval was granted by the Hacettepe University Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (ID: 2023/08-24). All participants provided written and verbal informed consent.

Results

Four main themes emerged: (1) “The concept of privacy”—patients viewing privacy as a moral and human right connected to bodily integrity; (2) “Perception of patient privacy”—including bodily, informational, and emotional aspects; (3) “Protection of patient privacy”—practices that promote feelings of safety, well-being, and respect; (4) “Violation of patient privacy”—experiences that evoke fear, regret, and avoidance of healthcare. Cultural and religious norms—especially modesty and confidentiality—strongly shape perceptions.

Conclusions

Patient privacy in Turkey is shaped by ethical, legal, and cultural values. Culturally sensitive patient care that respects patients’ physical, informational, and emotional boundaries is essential. To promote trust-based, ethical practice, we recommend improving environmental arrangements, enhancing data security measures, and providing ongoing ethics education for healthcare professionals.