Patient Perceptions of Audio and Video Recording in the Operating Room

This study investigated surgical patients' perceptions of hypothetical continuous audio-video operating room recording (ORR), a concept similar to the aviation industry's black box. Through semi-structured interviews with 49 subjects during elective surgery preoperative appointments, researchers explored patients' views on this potential technology. The study revealed that patients generally recognized the benefits of ORR for improving surgical quality, safety, and training. Additionally, many subjects expressed interest in accessing recordings of their own surgeries for future care, medical-legal evidence, and personal understanding.

However, patients had mixed opinions about the potential effects of ORR on operating room behavior. Some believed it would discourage inappropriate conduct, while others worried it might cause unnecessary anxiety among surgical team members. The study highlighted that patients consider themselves important stakeholders in the implementation of such technology and have diverse views on its potential benefits, risks, and uses. These findings provide insights into the pathways and potential challenges for implementing continuous audio/video recording in operating rooms, emphasizing the need to consider patient perspectives in the development and adoption of this technology.