Felt exposed during hallway exam. Patient privacy?
Last Sunday I was taken to the emergency department after being in a rollover car accident. Thankfully, I wasn’t seriously injured,just traumatized, but EMS recommended I go in to get checked out.
When we got there, my brother and I weren’t placed in a room. We stayed on gurneys in the hallway the entire time because the ED was overcrowded I assume. I understand that this happens, but it made everything feel chaotic and stressful. Staff were also mixing up our names, confusing my middle name for my last name, and repeatedly asking for clarification for my brothers name. It felt disorganized, and I was already overwhelmed.
At one point, a technician started venting to me about how terrible it was to work there, calling it a “s**t show.” As she witnessed me being bombarded by different staff. She also questioned why I was there, saying something along the lines of, “Weren’t you in a rollover accident? You shouldn’t even be at this level,” which left me confused about what she meant, I guess rollover car accidents are admitted at a different level of care, I don’t know. It felt really inappropriate and unprofessional, especially given that I had just been in an accident and didn’t have the capacity to listen to complaints about the workplace.
What really bothered me, though, was during my physical exam. The doctor needed to check my hips and legs for injuries, which I understand, but he pulled my yoga pants down enough to expose part of my pubic area while I was still in the hallway. There were other patients, staff, and people around. Like I don’t was the custodian passing by doing his job taking a look at my exposed skin. He also didn’t readjust my clothing afterward; I had to do that myself while he continued talking. That moment made me feel exposed and uncomfortable. I understand exams require visibility, but I felt like more effort should have been made to protect my privacy…especially in a hallway setting. Even a portable curtain or more awareness would have helped.
I know hospitals are busy and possibly understaffed, but I’m wondering: is this considered a normal level of care under these circumstances or is this something worth filing a complaint about? I’d really appreciate any insight.