Visitor filming during code

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

The risk management team at my hospital is faced with their latest case involving a visitor filming staff during a code. A female patient coded and didn't make it. One of the patient's male visitors, who apparently was not POA nor even related to the patient, threatened to sue the hospital and everyone involved. He said "I have you all on video and I'm going to post it online for everyone to see."

This brings a couple questions to mind.

First, what was he even doing in the room? Why didn't they clear him out? And how/why did no one notice? Only thing I can think of is he was standing outside of the room and discreetly filming while pretending to use the phone. Also, what kind of sicko films a code? Finally, and most importantly, it brings up sincere concern about our privacy as nurses.

[GundeRN]

Well I can see why in the middle of a code people would be too busy to notice him filming. It's hard with people being able to use their phones.

[TU RN, DNP, CRNA]

I don't know, I think it depends on the details of the code and events leading up to it. In the end, if the code was run well and without negligence, there's nothing to worry about (unless some actions caused the code). People get sick in the hospital, code, and die. We're doctors and nurses with amazing knowledge and medical technology that's true, but in the end we're human (ie, not God, not omnipotent)

[klone, MSN, RN]

Research has found that having family members present during cors and emergent situations lead to better outcomes with regards to family "satisfaction" for lack of a better word. Many facilities are moving towards allowing family to remain present in cors.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

If anything, there is a case against HIM, not the other way around.

Weird.

[flyersfan88]

Research has found that having family members present during cors and emergent situations lead to better outcomes with regards to family "satisfaction" for lack of a better word. Many facilities are moving towards allowing family to remain present in cors.

This person wasnt a family member.

Just because he filmed it doesn't mean he has a case. Sounds like someone was in shock and needed someone to blame for the loss.

[Asystole RN]

What state did this occur in? Many states prohibit filming without consent and in some it is a felony.

Honestly though, as a nurse who serves the public and who petitions the state for a license to practice we wave much of our rights to privacy. When you get into bed with the public, expect to get real comfortable.

[MunoRN, RN]

As a Nurse you can be legally filmed at work since you have no legal expectation of privacy (unless you are in the bathroom, changing room, etc). Facilities can have rules against filming on the premises, but it's important to remember that this is a facility rule and not a law, and can only be enforced by asking/requiring the person to leave the premises.

[Emergent, RN]

These types of actions by an increasingly disrespectful public will only lead to more restrictive rules What you describe is an appalling example of the ultimate intrusion. It sounds voyeuristic and possibly motivated by litigiousness.

This sort of thing cannot be tolerated. It goes to show that every non-medical person present must absolutely have an escort, both to support them emotionally, but also to enforce respectful decorum.

[RNGriffin]

If you are speaking of lay family member, I wouldn't worry too much. As someone who has been in administration dealing with litigation and compliance for many years, I have seen these threats & cases many times. Despite if the code was ran to the algorithm perfection, or if there was a professional clinical judgement to cease the code; these cases never result in anything but a waste of money for the healthcare facility and family. Most family members will not pursue these cases due to the enormous amount of detail, money, and time involved. As long as documentation leading up to the event is accurate, this will go no where.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Just weird.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

Research has found that having family members present during cors and emergent situations lead to better outcomes with regards to family "satisfaction" for lack of a better word. Many facilities are moving towards allowing family to remain present in cors.

I don't like family watching while we code, but it's allowed where I work.

The same rationale is used. Better opinions of staff, from family of the patient. The hospital thinks if family sees how hard we tried, they're less likely to blame us for the death.

Nobody's filmed us yet. It takes a while for trends to reach our little burg.

I'll be on the lookout for someone pointing a phone at us.