Today a patients Caregiver was caught taking pictures of a patient by a nurse. The nurse told the patients nurse, she didn't think it was a big deal since it was the Caregiver (pt is comatose). The other nurse walked pass again and noticed the Caregiver taking pictures of the patients genital area. The nurse told the patients nurse again. The patients nurse said since the Caregiver makes decisions, she didn't know what to do?!?
Anybody experience this? I would think it's inappropriate even if it is the Caregiver. Anybody have a policy on visitors taking pictures of patients? How would you guys handle it?
No one has the right to take pictures of another person's genitalia without permission. If they have a concern, they can speak to a doctor. A comatose patient has a right to privacy, just like anyone else. I would report this immediately. Parents are caregivers, but what do you think would happen if we had possession of those types of pictures? What possible use would a caregiver or family member have for those pictures? I would not leave them alone either.
I think we need more information. For instance, if I went to visit my comatose family member and noted teeth marks on her thigh, or burn marks etc, something that gave me concern that someone was hurting my loved one, I would take photos!
Elder abuse. This person probably sells the pics on a website or something sick. ABUSE!!! My mother was taken advantage of by a caregiver,but not in this way. This person needs to be locked up. There is not good reason for this. It is horrible and must stop. The patient has no way to consent to or resist this type of thing. It is up to those who are obliged to report this to the state to do so immediately.
LOL, what?
Are they selling the images of the arms and IV tubing to those websites as well? InfusionFetishest.com?
Risk Manager..any hospital I have ever worked in requires all jewelry to be removed prior to surgery..sometimes with the exception of a simple wedding band that is taped in place, but only if the patient was absolute about not removing it
Risk Manager...It is not my job to consider if it is right or wrong, just to report if something is suspicious and this would fall under that category.They will make the decision.
I have heard and seen some bizarre stuff, but man..... Anyhoo, my gut reaction to this is that it is a violation, as the patient is comatose. However, as previous posters have stated, there could be legit reasons for doing what they did, and also completely within the bounds of the law.
I think I would definitely be notifying management and RM as well. How bizarre.
just checking in to see if there were/are any developments since your original post?
I sometimes forget to check back in on posts. When I saw your post come up to newest posts, I wanted to check in and see if anything had changed (good or bad)
curious how things turn out,. and I'm just nosey.. (just kidding).
I would notify risk management, that day, even if it was a weekend.
Right at that moment I would tell the person hospital policy prohibits photos of patients, and although I can't physically take away the camera I'd request that they stop, please. I'd ask them if they had concerns that they were photographing, and if I could help fix their concerns. If they have a brain in their head, they'll stop at least for my shift.
If they continued, I'd hope risk management had gotten back to me by then, but if they hadn't, I'd ask security to have a conversation with the visitor. If they actually have healthcare POA, and can show paperwork, we probably can't stop them. If we don't have the paperwork in hand, I think we'd be within our rights to ask them to leave, and MAKE them leave, until the powers that be can review the situation.
Then what to do with the rest of the family...I don't know.
. Anyhoo, my gut reaction to this is that it is a violation, as the patient is comatose. However, as previous posters have stated, there could be legit reasons for doing what they did, and also completely within the bounds of the law. 
BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN
1,236 Posts
I think we need more information. For instance, if I went to visit my comatose family member and noted teeth marks on her thigh, or burn marks etc, something that gave me concern that someone was hurting my loved one, I would take photos!