In this paper, the literature on embarrassment, the related topics of delicacy and privacy, and the implications for nursing and medical practice are discussed, drawing on empirical data from an observational study of fertility clinics, plus other studies involving consultation and/or examination relating to sexual issues. It will be argued that current data are too patchy to give clear guidelines for professional practice, but that the issues should be explored in a more systematic way in (inter)professional education.
PIP: This paper discusses the literature on embarrassment, delicacy and privacy, and the implications for nursing and medical practice, drawing on empirical data from an observational study of fertility clinics, plus other studies involving consultation and/or examination relating to sexual issues. Overall, the data demonstrates how the medical and nursing focus may be severely limited despite the description of a disciplinary society. It has been established that there is no social script, at least for one patient, who may have no idea of the role of being a patient with sexual problems. In the context of dealing with embarrassment, nurses and doctors tend to use the same techniques for preventing the emotion. In addition, reticence, a desire to inquire only about relevant issues and to undertake only relevant activities has been observed in many of these settings. These observations indicate that nurses and doctors still recognize sexuality as a private affair. However, it is argued that current data are too patchy to give clear guidelines for professional practice, and that issues should be explored in a more systematic way in interprofessional education.