By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1211 EAT on Tuesday 17 June 2025

“Patients filming their own medical treatments for TikTok or Instagram may be jeopardizing their safety and the well-being of NHS staff, warns the Society of Radiographers (SoR).”

Healthcare professionals are expressing concern about patients recording medical procedures on their mobile phones without permission. This trend poses several issues,

Distraction and Anxiety: Staff may feel uncomfortable, anxious or distracted, potentially compromising patient care.

Privacy Risks, Sharing rrcordings on social media can expose other patients’ or staff members’ private medical information, violating confidentially agreements.

Key Conciderations:

Patient Consent, Healthcare ptoviders emphasize obtaining explicit consent before recording or sharing medical procedures

Social Media Risks: Unregulated sharing can lead to breaches of patient confidentiality and potential HIPAA Violations

Ashley d’Aquino’s experience highlights the growing concern of patients or their relatives filming medical procedures without permission.

“I didn’t think it was the right time for filming – my priority was delivering the treatment safely and effectively.”

Ms. d’Aquino’s experience isn’t isolated, as she’s been approached by colleagues facing similar issues with patients or relatives recording medical procedures without permission.

This trend highlights growing concerns about privacy, consent, and the impact on healthcare professionals.

The staff member had consented to taking photos for the patient, but things took an unexpected turn when the patient posted the images online without permission. This situation highlights the importance of discussing and agreeing on how photos or recordings will be used before they’re taken.

The staff member was surprised and potentially uncomfortable to discover that the patient had been secretly recording her, with the intention of publishing the footage on her cancer blog.

This raises concerns about consent, boundaries, and the potential consequences of sharing personal interactions online without permission.

The visibility of NHS staff’s identity badges and job titles in videos posted online can raise concerns about privacy, security, and potential risks to staff members. This highlights the need for clear guidelines and policies on recording and sharing videos of healthcare professionals in clinical settings.

The situation became even more challenging as the healthcare professional was performing a sensitive procedure, inserting a cannula as part of cancer treatment, while the patient’s 19-year-old daughter began filming on her phone. This raises concerns about patient privacy, staff comfort, and the potential impact on the procedure itself.

The staff member’s anxiety and lack of sleep over the weekend highlight the emotional toll of being recorded without permission, especially when performing a critical medical procedure. The fear of potential scrutiny or criticism can be overwhelming, even if the staff member is confident in their abilities.

Ms. d’Aquino acknowledges that recording medical consultations can be beneficial for patients, allowing them to revisit important details.

However, she also highlights the challenge of balancing this practice with the need for boundaries and consent, given the ubiquitous nature of smartphones and the ease of recording and sharing content.

Dean Rogers emphasizes the need for NHS trusts to establish clear policies regarding patient recording in healthcare settings. Key considerations include ensuring patient confidentiality, maintaining staff comfort, and prioritizing care delivery. Clear guidelines would help healthcare professionals navigate these complex situations effectively.

Recording other patients without their permission can lead to breaches of confidentiality, especially if the footage is shared on social media platforms like TikTok.

Clear policies and guidelines are essential to protect patient privacy and maintain trust in healthcare settings.

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