‘The role of smartphones in the recording and dissemination of medical images’

Abstract

Background: Smartphones have evolved rapidly in the medical profession, and can now produce high quality medical images, providing a quick and simple method of image distribution. This has the potential to improve clinical care of patients, but comes with specific ethical and medico-legal considerations that include issues of confidentiality, privacy and policy control. Aim: To quantify the use, distribution and storage of medical images taken using smartphones by clinicians, along with their perceptions regarding policies, practices and patient care. Methods: All clinicians and medical students employed or undergoing rotation at Peninsula Health during March 2012 were asked to participate in a de-identified, 36 item, online survey administered by SurveyMonkey. The survey questioned respondent's demographics, and issues surrounding the recording and dissemination of medical images using smartphones. Results: 134 responses were received. Most respondents were from the surgical discipline, followed by medicine, then emergency. Sixty five per cent admitted to taking medical images on their smartphones, yet no consent was obtained in almost a quarter (24%). When consent was taken, it was predominantly verbal, but only documented 23% of the time. Of those who took medical images, 64% stored them personally and 82% shared them with someone else, mostly for input from another clinician. Forty three per cent were aware that an institutional policy existed, but only 28% had read the policy. Conclusion: Whilst the use of smartphones in a hospital setting is inevitable, the results obtained highlight issues related to privacy, confidentiality and patient care. This study will enable discussion and formulation of an evidence-based hospital policy