Being Video Taped by pt/family

[Irving]

I was wondering if some of the smart and deep-thinking members of this site would share their thoughts on being video taped by a patient/family member.  (Patient [pt] or family member [fm] ).  I understand that in public, a person cannot have the expectation of privacy, and a person has a 1st amendment right to film, in public.  It is not that I have an issue with people watching my work - I was told early on, if you cannot start and IV with ppl watching then don't be a nurse.  Even if the pt gives consent to be filmed, I feel I should have the right to refuse to be filmed.  I have no control over what they will do with the video, post it, sale it...anything.   This is the same if they filmed me in public, yet it feels different for some reason.   While I have nothing to hide, I believe if I do not want to be filmed in the discharging of my duties, that should be my right.   Or is it?   Has anyone here been told they have to allow pt/pt's fm to film them?   Is everyone here O.K being filmed?   I am trying to decide my final opinion on this and would appreciate you giving me input and thoughts.

About 10 years ago, a pt tried to film me while I was assisting another nurse in their room.  I said I declined to be filmed, and I left the room.  In the time since, much has changed.  Filming in most places is protected as 'freedom of speech." (This despite what many police agencies would have you believe.)  I know I need to get a copy of my hospitals policies on this subject, but still, in general, I am interested to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Also, in my area, we have hospitals that fall under Federal ( I THINK) jurisdiction.  We have a few military bases and a Veterans hospital.  Would the laws/policies be the same there or difference since they are Federal.   Your thoughts/opinions matter to me.

Thank you much

ID

[FiremedicMike, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

It is what it is, welcome to modern society where everyone is just trying to screw their fellow human by trying to catch them making a mistake so they can sell it to the news or hire a lawyer to sue.  Empathy is gone, compassion is gone, selfishness and sociopathy are fashionable.

I've not been filmed yet as a nurse but have in my other life.  If I were in a nursing role and caught someone filming me I'd admonish them for their utter lack of respect for the patients privacy and let them know I found their behavior distracting.  If they continue I'd just do my thing and move on.  

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Was at my local Trinity Health Mid Atlantic System Hospital today.   Large poster at every facility entrance used by the public + on each elevator clearly spells out no photography.

 

Quote

 

Patient & Visitor Code of Conduct

Our health system is a healing environment

Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.

Examples of aggressive behavior:

• Abusive language
• Physical assault or attempted physical assault
• Sexual language or behavior directed at another
• Verbal or physical threats
• Verbal harassment

Any aggressive behavior may result in removal from this location and be reported to police

Prohibited items/behaviors:

• Smoking in or around our facilities (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, lighters, matches, or other smoke products)
• Alcoholic beverages, illicit substances or medical marijuana
• Impairment due to drugs or alcohol
• Possession of weapons
• Excessive noise
• Taking still photography, video or audio recordings while on Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic properties

https://www.trinityhealthma.org/patients-visitors/visitor-guidelines/code-of-conduct

 

Clearly states patient has the right not to be filmed.  Permission MAY be granted by management and signed consent obtained of all parties if needed for patient/caregiver education purposes: complex wound care, pleurx catheter drainage,  colostomy management, etc.

Need to check your facilities policy, bring up for discussion at next staff meeting/huddle if concerns still exist so every staff person on the same page regarding enforcement.  Security notified/descalation team to prevent all out war over issue.