use of web cams in nicu

Specialties NICU

Published

We are looking into using web cams in our nicu. Has anyone had any experience with them - were they good or bad ? We are wondering what problems you may have encountered with using them.Thanks for any advice you have!

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

Webcams, or digital cams?

Our NICU has utilized digital cameras for a few years. One parent MUST sign a consent to photograph/videotape. Otherwise, legally, we cannot use the cam. We have in the past used the cameras for educational reasons (using certain meds, ivs, caths, demises, etc.) or if mom is not able to visit (post c-section, infection etc.) and dad or the other bracelet holder signs the consent, that way mom can see her new addition.

We are in the next month going to start taking pics of the baby (a new consent will be in force, as this is not purely educational) and each baby is assigned a number (Month#, and # year admission...for privacy... HIPAA) and the photos are burned onto a CD and sent home with baby upon d/c.

I do not know about a webcam though. I would think it would be hard to do, legally. You would have to have a secure server to broadcast on, as well as a secure server to view on, and even that is sticky.

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Specializes in ER, NICU.

Seeing as how we have banned video in the delivery rooms, ORs, I'd not want a camera in the NICU.

Often times "civilians" don't know what they are truly seeing when they "see" into the NICU. A little bit of vision could cause a whole can of worms to be opened.

i.e.: "How come you spent 17 minutes with THAT baby and only 12 minutes with MY baby...."

Oh, my. Sometimes HIPPA is a GOOD thing. :)

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Personally I wouldn't agree having a webcam in the NICU. Too much of issues to address - personal or even legal. Parents are not easy to handle these days because they are better educated, well informed, better exposure etc.

I know of 1 private hospital who actually install a camera in their unit but theirs is a smaller unit, very few and sick ones normally the NNJs that require phototherapy so that makes a difference but I don't know whether the practice is still on. Anyway if I'm the parent I will rather go visit the baby so that I can bond with the baby physically. Well this is my personally point of view.

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