Legal and Ethical Recommendations for Video Recording in the Operating Room: A Review of Literature

One of the legal and ethical issues related to the medical profession and health centers is patients’ uncertainty regarding the type and quality of clinical care provided and the extent to which the health care providers comply with the necessary criteria in delivering health care. This study investigated the civil, criminal, and ethical aspects of using cameras in the operating room by describing a case that a legal complaint had filed regarding this issue and a review of the literature.

The study was a case report and narrative review. First, we introduce a case that found out that the patient admitted for brain tumor surgery did not operate on him and requested to review the videos of the operating room. Then, we investigated this issue in the literature.

The purpose and outcome of using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in the Operating Room (OR), may vary depending on the goals, needs, and expectations of different stakeholders. Some countries may use CCTV in the OR primarily for educational, research, or quality improvement purposes. In contrast, others may use CCTV in the OR mainly for security, surveillance, or legal purposes. 

The suggestion of recording the events done in the operating room environment using a CCTV can be an acceptable solution and as a legal document and evidence.