Perceptions of privacy among residents in a long term care facility : a phenomenological approach

This study was designed to explore and describe elderly residents' perceptions of privacy in a long term care facility setting. Specifically, the researcher sought to identify and describe elderly residents' definitions of privacy, to identify the functions of privacy for the residents and to describe personal and physical factors in the institutional environment affecting privacy. A phenomenological methodology was chosen to guide the study involving four women and two men currently residing in a long term care facility. Data were obtained through unstructured interviews that were audio-taped and transcribed and then analyzed using the method of constant comparative analysis. Data analysis revealed that the residents were able to describe their perceptions of privacy in a long term care facility setting and identify their feelings and responses to perceived violation of desired privacy. Within the framework of the study's three major purposes, it was found that residents' definitions of privacy included the following themes: solitude, control of information access and disclosure and boundary control. The function component of privacy revealed a major theme of protected expression of self which encompassed the opportunity for expression of emotions, self-evaluation and intimacy in personal relations. Within the factors affecting the residents' ability to control privacy, residents perceived nursing care staffs attitudes and behaviours and availability of and access to private room accommodation as having significant impact. Throughout the participants' accounts, the ethical principle of autonomy was a central focus for the residents' perceptions of privacy in a long term care facility setting. The findings indicated that privacy is valued, protected and sought by long term care residents. They also suggested that nurses need to be aware of an individual client's need for privacy and understand that their behaviour and attitudes impact upon a client's ability to secure and maintain privacy. Based on these findings, implications for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research are presented.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat