Title: Medical Voyeurism: The Ethics of Observing Patient Care without Consent
My First International Trip to Haiti as a Physician Assistant
- Patient distrust: Patients may feel vulnerable and betrayed, leading to decreased trust in healthcare providers and the medical system.
- Emotional distress: Patients may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms due to the perceived invasion of their privacy.
- Professional consequences: Healthcare professionals engaging in medical voyeurism may face disciplinary actions, including termination, loss of licensure, or prosecution.
The medical voyeur phenomenon highlights the need for increased vigilance and robust security measures to protect patient information. Healthcare providers and organizations must prioritize patient confidentiality and take steps to prevent unauthorized access to EHRs. By doing so, they can maintain patient trust and ensure the integrity of the healthcare system.
There are several types of medical voyeurism, including:

