Facilitators and barriers to the privacy of Iranian hospitalized patients in government hospitals

Background Privacy is one of the essential needs of humans, and is therefore crucial in effective healthcare systems. There is limited research clearly addressing the facilitators and barriers underpinning privacy for hospitalized patients. Aims This study aimed to explore Iranian patients’ perceptions and experiences with the facilitators and barriers of privacy in government hospital in-patients. Methods This qualitative study was conducted on 22 patients admitted to the in-patient departments of government hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2016. The study population was selected through purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using individualized semistructured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was performed by means of an inductive content analysis approach. Results The analysis of the experiences of the hospitalized patient’s extraction of six themes. These themes included the ethical and legal backgrounds of privacy, multi-dimensional design of privacy, perceived vulnerability, patriarchal care, conflict between privacy and care, individual backgrounds, nature of disease, and informed consent. Conclusion The privacy of the hospitalized patient is affected by complicated factors. These factors are facilitators and barriers and should be considered in the design of care.