Accreditation practice pointer

GP5.1B All face-to-face patient consultations in our practice take place in a dedicated consultation or examination space.

RACGP Standards for general practice, 5th edition.

General practices must have dedicated consultation spaces to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality. The practice must be built to ensure:

  • there is adequate sound proofing between internal walls

  • there are areas where private conversations can be held

  • the computer screens in the reception area are hidden from the view of patients and other visitors

  • the layout, music and other features of the reception area protect patient privacy during dialogue (eg details such as phone number, address and medical information). 

Patient visual privacy is safeguarded by clinicians:

  • using a gown or sheet to cover patients

  • leaving the room while a patient is undressing and dressing

  • providing an adequate curtain or screen. 

Margot Schoonmaker