The reactions of patients to a video camera in the consulting room

Abstract

In a general practice survey of reactions to the presence of a video camera in the consulting room 13 per cent of patients refused to be filmed, and 11 per cent of those who did consent disapproved of recording. Patients were more willing to express their reservations about video recording if asked to fill in a questionnaire later at home rather than immediately at the surgery. Patients with anxiety, depression, or problems relating to the breasts or reproductive system were more likely to withhold consent. Patients were less likely to refuse video recording of their consultation if they were asked by the doctor for their verbal permission as they entered the consulting room rather then if they were asked to sign a consent form. Only a small minority of the patients who refused to be filmed felt that this refusal had affected their consultation with the doctor.