Professional Experience Placement

Van der Rijt and Hoffman (2013) discuss the ease of clinical photography with the emergence of smartphones (and tablets). The authors raise the parallel  social, ethical and legal issues that arise when any photography of patients or clients  is considered. Recent advances in the use of the Internet, email and smartphones has increased the pace of transmission of data and accurate medical record storage. Clinical photography provides an accurate record; can be used to minimise unnecessary dressing changes; or  for learning and teaching or research. Additionally it provides a method of conveying information that can be used for visual assessment of pathology or injury or changes over time. Clinical photography can also be used as a communication tool when distance is an issue.

Prior to any photography there is an obligation to respect autonomy and confidentiality of the patient. There is a need to ensure that patients are comfortable having their face or specific body part being photographed. A patient may not be concerned at the time of photography, but later may not be so compliant. There is a need to ensure the photographs are not unlawfully distributed. The authors describe best practice when taking clinical photographs and these include written consent; disclosure who and why the photographs will be used. Additionally, efforts to de-identify the patient must be taken. All images need to be managed and stored within a secure environment.

The implications for clinical supervision include guiding students on decision-making regarding whether it is appropriate to take clinical photographs from a nursing management perspective or as a learning and teaching tool. Clinical photography has the capacity to provide rich learning opportunities such as observation of wound healing over time.  Additionally, there is the opportunity to use clinical photographs for continuing professional development (CPD)  purposes. The collection of artefacts as evidence for CPD also has the same ethical, legal and social implications as previously mentioned. Therefore it is imperative that students and clinical supervisors are aware of these issues to ensure that clinical photography continues to be able to used as a useful adjunct to patient care.

If you have any comments regarding the use, management or storage of clinical photography for patient care, as a learning or teaching tool or for research you are welcome to post them here.