Accreditation practice pointer: patient privacy and confidentiality

GP5.1C Our consultation spaces permit patient privacy and confidentiality.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

General practice consultation rooms must be designed for privacy and confidentiality to protect the patient’s dignity.  

Auditory privacy can be achieved when the practice has solid doors, sound proofing between the internal walls of general practice and draught-proofing tape around door frames and a draught-excluder at the base of doors. 

Clinicians can ensure visual privacy by using a gown or sheet to cover patients, leaving the room while a patient is undressing and dressing and/or providing an adequate curtain or screen.