Personal and territorial space of the patients: a nursing ethics question

Using the technique of the critical incidents, situations and behaviors mentioned by hospitalized patients were identified as far as the invasion of their personal and territorial space was concerned. The analysis of 80 reports of critical incidents revealed: a) 80 situations which were grouped in 11 categories; b) 95 health personnel behaviors related to personal and territorial invasion. These reports were distributed in nine behavior categories related to invasion of personal space and seven categories related to invasion of territorial space. Considering the reported behaviors, the authors emphasize: lack of respect for the patients, making noises and turning the lights on. The data showed that the health personnel do not respect the personal and territorial space of the hospitalized patients. This fact has several negative consequences to the patients such as: negative feelings, decreased quality of assistance, alteration in the pattern of sleep, among others.