I was referred for sigmoidoscopy by my GP following an episode of overt rectal bleeding.
My issue is that the procedure had barely got underway when another medical professional entered the room and engaged the consultant in a conversation concerning another patient. I felt this was inappropriate on so many levels:
a) although the patient being discussed was not named, I still feel this is a breach of confidentiality (incidentally, I am aware that this patient was due to have heart surgery in the following two weeks!)
b) I was not confident that the Consultant was paying full attention to the procedure they were carrying out
c) as they were otherwise engaged in conversation they were unable to talk me through the procedure and explain what I was viewing on screen.
Most importantly I did not feel that my dignity and privacy was respected. I was anxious and embarassed about the procedure which rendered me quite vulnerable and feeling unable to challenge what was happening. I felt very upset but unable to express this to anyone and so pretended all was fine.
Practitioners need to remember that what may seem to them a mundane and routine procedure, this is not so for the majority of people and this needs to be borne in mind when dealing with patients.
"Lack of dignity during sigmoidoscopy"
About: Good Hope Hospital / Gastroenterology Good Hope Hospital Gastroenterology Sutton Coldfield B75 7RR
Posted by jeb30 (as ),
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See more responses from Susan Moore
Update posted by jeb30 (the patient) 11 years ago