College Blog 

In the spirit of transparency, we encourage open debate and constructive criticism. For this to be effective, comments need to remain professional and respectful. Comments will be reviewed and posts that include personal attacks, unfounded allegations, unverified facts, product pitches, or profanity will not be published.

Patient Privacy, Dignity and the Importance of Draping

Apr 11, 2019
By: Fiona Campbell, PT
Senior Physiotherapist Advisor

Going to see a physiotherapist can be a bit scary for some patients. They’re asked to undress—often given a gown that doesn’t fit well or completely cover their body. They are touched and body parts are exposed. It’s a vulnerable position to be in.

Now, remember when you were a student. You most likely felt awkward that first anatomy class when you had to strip off your clothes and practice auscultation techniques or pectoral stretches. But by graduation it was no big deal and most of us were clearly desensitized to exposing our body in front of a group. As comfortable as you might be, never forget that this is not the case for the majority of patients.

When going for physiotherapy most patients find having someone see and touch their unclothed body as uncomfortable, intrusive, and most likely an undignified experience.

Everything you do as a physiotherapist has the power to either strengthen and restore patient dignity or to diminish and undermine it. This is a chance for you to help create a safe, comfortable space for your patients.

And so, one cannot overstate the importance of good draping. It plays a vital role in maintaining a patient’s dignity.

The medical students at the University of Toronto produced a video on the principles of draping. The principles covered apply to PTs, as well as doctors and anyone else who sees a patient in varying states of undress. 

The Highlights

  • Be clear with patients about how you will touch them, why you need to touch them and which body parts need to be exposed. Get permission (consent) each and every time.
  • Balance the patient’s need for privacy with your need to expose certain areas.
  • Give the patient options when possible.
  • Keep the time that body areas are exposed to a minimum.
  • Be sure the blanket or sheet will not slip or move. Give the patient control by asking them to hold the drape or position it in a way that makes them most comfortable.
  • Avoid unnecessary physical contact and use strategic barriers like pillows or draping between yourself and the patient’s body.
  • Position the patient comfortably and ensure they are warm. Check in regularly to see how they are feeling.
  • Consider cultural differences but don't assume everyone from a particular culture has the same values or sensitivities. That goes for age and gender too.

Watch this video as a reminder of the importance of good draping and everything that goes along with that.

Leave a comment
  1. DEMELIN TANYAG | Jun 18, 2024
    It sign of great respect to individual to offer or give them proper draping.
  2. CGC Jhanjeri | Feb 07, 2023
     Thanks, an excellent reminder
  3. Gregory Nason | Nov 28, 2022
    Excellent video to help demonstrate how to make the patient feel the most comfortable.
  4. O. Kazerouni | Nov 08, 2022
    Compliment: I enjoyed this Blog and the video on privacy and draping. These steps are showing that Physiotherapy practice is still adhering to high standards and high morality values. This blog has a very special respect for me as it relays the message that our profession has preserved the rights of clients who want to feel respected and safe. Comment: I also wanted to mention from my personal experience about the fact that having a conversation with client at the time of exposure might give them extra ease and comfort.  This conversation could be detail explanation about the therapeutic procedure and it’s benefits and also information about the approximate remaining time to the end of that uncomfortable procedure or treatment.
  5. Jimi | Nov 02, 2022
    very informative 
  6. Neha Rani | Oct 21, 2022
    very informative and helpful video with more clarity. thankyou
  7. DIPAK CHUNARA | Oct 09, 2022
    well explained about draping, an excellent video for HCPs.
  8. Mohammad Yazdchi | Aug 25, 2022
    thanks for your video,it really help me for updating my information.
  9. Avanti Shah | May 25, 2022
    It is very important to explain patient what you are doing and why you are doing , also it always helps to monitor gesture of patient during assessment or treatment to understand patient is comfortable. 
  10. Muhammad aleem azhar | May 18, 2022
    Thanks for this educational and informative video
  11. AHMAD JOIYA | Mar 28, 2022
    Very helpful and informative video. Thanks for Uploading
  12. Pooja Vyas | Mar 16, 2022
    I totally agree with the point that patient feel much more comfortable when they know exactly what to expect and they are in control of the how tight or lose the draping is.  
  13. Bunmi | Mar 15, 2022
    Great resource
  14. Jaskirat Kaur | Mar 13, 2022
    Draping is important to gain patients' confidence in the HCP who is treating them. It is important to communicate the assessment/ technique to be performed, the amount of exposure, and the need for exposure before starting the treatment. 
  15. Pooja | Mar 08, 2022
    helpful 
  16. Prateek Gupta | Feb 11, 2022
    As HCPs, it is important to understand that patients will sometimes see us as authority figures, so if we tell them to undress (without adequate explanations or proper draping techniques) they will feel extremely uncomfortable, but may comply. This can deal a huge hit to the HCP-patient relationship and lead to further complications within treatment adherence. As HCPs, we should always ask for consent and provide as much draping and explanations, along with being sensitive to patients' cultural needs and requirements.  
  17. Marilyn Weixl | Feb 07, 2022
    I reviewed the video and I think this is always a good reminder of technique when examining a patient.
  18. Chantal Goneau | Feb 06, 2022
    It is important not to make assumptions about people based on their culture, age, gender, etc.
  19. Mitchell Caprelli | Jan 10, 2022
    Being sensitive for our patients is paramount, we should always ensure that they are feeling as comfortable as possible during the treatment process. 
  20. Claire Belton | Apr 12, 2019
     Thanks, excellent reminder of how comfortable we can become with undressing when we train as Physiotherapists. It is so important to be sensitive to our patients individual needs re draping.

    Leave a comment

    Comment Form

    Contact the Practice Advisor

    Free and anonymous counsel for PTs, patients, & the public. Learn More 

    practiceadvice@collegept.org
    416-591-3828 ext. 241
    1-800-583-5885 ext. 241