Ethical deliberations on video recording of patients in healthcare facilities- a scoping review.

Abstract

Introduction: The modern healthcare landscape with the emergence of video recording, has found applications in research, training, audit, quality improvement, and safety surveillance. Notably, advancements in camera technology have led to the development of smaller, lighter devices, enabling discreet usage and enhancing usability in clinical settings. Its adoption represents more than technological advancement; it entails a complex balance between improving patient care and respecting individual rights. Ethical considerations surrounding patient privacy, ownership of recordings, patient autonomy and healthcare provider responsibilities have garnered significant attention. In Malaysia, the adoption of video recordings in clinical interactions and consultations has been accepted in research, training and several medical fields. However, recording patients during clinical practice can be challenging, as there are scarce ethical guidelines for its practice. This review aims to gather and categorise the ethical challenges associated with recording videos of patients in healthcare facilities globally and identify research gaps specific to Malaysian healthcare settings. By addressing the ethical challenges globally, we can ensure the responsible and ethical use of video recording technology to enhance patient care while respecting individual rights.

Materials and methods: Articles from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases were collected following PRISMA guidelines. Key term searches included "video recording," "ethical issues," and "patients." Inclusion criteria encompassed video and audio recording interactions between healthcare providers and patients in any clinical setting, final publications, and the English language. Exclusions were imaging or photography recording and non-clinical settings. The qualitative synthesis involved iterative reading, thematic coding analysis in Excel, and specific analysis to address the research question.

Results: Initial database search, identified 363 records. After screening, a total of 22 articles were included for analysis. Five themes were identified from the selected articles: i) privacy and confidentiality, ii) informed consent, iii) beneficence and non-maleficence, iv) integrity and professionalism and v) governance, policy and legal framework. Majority of the reviewed articles concentrate on backgrounds within the fields of psychiatry, neurology and surgical-based medical specialities. The identified themes have demonstrated consistency across the majority of the articles analysed. Among the most frequently discussed themes, it's evident that ethical concerns extend beyond just the patient's realm to encompass the responsibilities of the healthcare provider (HCP) as well. Both patients and HCPs have their respective rights and responsibilities in ensuring the ethical use of video recording in clinical settings.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this review has highlighted the multifaceted ethical challenges surrounding the integration of video recording in healthcare settings. While video recording offers benefits for patient care, education, and quality improvement, its adoption presents complexities. Ethical dilemmas concerning patient privacy, consent, and data management must be addressed alongside practical barriers like technological limitations and resource constraints. Collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders is crucial to navigating these challenges ethically. Future research should delve into patient perspectives, develop ethical guidelines, and assess the impact of video recording on patient outcomes. By understanding these implications, healthcare can effectively leverage video recording to improve patient care while maintaining ethical standards.