Recently, an ALOC patient needed a CT. For safety, we decided that the patient should be transported with a nurse and a tech. The patient was transferred to the CT table at which point the patient became resistant. For the patient's safety, the patient was pulled back onto the gurney and placed in soft restraints.
During this occurrence, another patient was seen approaching the CT suite and craning his neck to observe. He was directed to return to his seat which he protested and refused. Moments later, he was observed holding a smartphone. He was strongly admonished that it is a violation of privacy laws to film other patients or staff. He stated that he was not filming and continued vociferously stating that he was doing nothing wrong and just "watching." At this point, security was summoned and the door to the CT suite was closed until the situation was secured. It is not known whether he actually filmed the situation or not (the cops stated that they are not permitted to demand the phone or look through it).
1) Have you ever caught or suspected a patient or family recording events in the ED?
2) Does your facility have a specific, written policy regarding same?
3) Do you have any signs posted which specifically prohibit filming?
I know of a case where a patient family secretly photographed a nurse at the workstation and then posted it to Yelp with a complaint. It was seen by another nurse who contacted both the poster and Yelp stating that it was an invasion of privacy and the poster pulled the photo.
4) Does anybody think that this is going to be an ever increasing problem?
5) Do you think that your facility's risk management group is (a) aware and (b) proactive in this area?
