Parents’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the use of live video recording in neonatal units: a focus group study

Abstract

Background: The emerging use of video in neonatology units raises ethical and practical questions. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the suitability, limitations and constraints concerning the use of live video as a tool in neonatal clinical practice. The perceptions of parents and healthcare professionals in regard to live video were examined. Methods: Nine focus groups were conducted in four neonatal units involving 20 healthcare professionals and 19 parents. Data were triangulated using transcripts and field notes and analyzed using inductive and semantic thematic analysis. Results: The seven major themes that emerged from the healthcare professionals focus groups were (i) the impact of video recording on healthcare professionals' behavior; (ii) the impact on parents; (iii) forensic issues;(iv) guarantee of use; (v) benefits for the newborn; (vi) methodology of use; and (vii) technical considerations & feasibility. The five major themes that emerged from parents focus groups were (i) benefits for the newborn and care enhancement; (ii) impact on parents and potential benefits in case of newborn child/parent separation; (iii) informed consent and guarantee of use;(iv) concern about a possible disruptive impact on healthcare professionals; and (v) data protection. Conclusion: Both parents and healthcare professionals found video recording useful and acceptable if measures were taken to protect the data and mitigate any negative impacts on healthcare professionals.

Family Presence Restrictions and Telemedicine Use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic

“…This connection is through the parents’ smartphones, tablets, PCs, and NICU information devices through online video calls [ 4 ], virtual visits [ 6 ], mobile apps [ 12 ], and web camera systems [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. In previous studies, parents watching live videos from a webcam felt separated from their children [ 16 ] and experienced the pain of helplessness in alleviating their children’s suffering [ 16 , 17 ]. However, many positive opinions from parents watching their children’s live videos were also reported.…”

“…However, many positive opinions from parents watching their children’s live videos were also reported. Owing to advanced medical technology, which enabled less stressful contact between parents and their children, parents felt close to their children [ 17 ] and could confirm the stability of their children’s condition [ 17 , 18 ]. Nevertheless, the confidentiality of patients’ information was a major concern for both parents and healthcare professionals because of the transmission of live videos [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Owing to advanced medical technology, which enabled less stressful contact between parents and their children, parents felt close to their children [ 17 ] and could confirm the stability of their children’s condition [ 17 , 18 ]. Nevertheless, the confidentiality of patients’ information was a major concern for both parents and healthcare professionals because of the transmission of live videos [ 17 , 18 ]. The need to create communication materials for medical staff and parents through videos [ 15 , 17 ] increased the workload of nurses [ 15 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, the confidentiality of patients’ information was a major concern for both parents and healthcare professionals because of the transmission of live videos [ 17 , 18 ]. The need to create communication materials for medical staff and parents through videos [ 15 , 17 ] increased the workload of nurses [ 15 ]. However, they thought that parents could see and understand their children’s responses immediately after birth by watching their neonates’ videos to promote bonding between parents and children [ 13 , 17 ].…”

“…The need to create communication materials for medical staff and parents through videos [ 15 , 17 ] increased the workload of nurses [ 15 ]. However, they thought that parents could see and understand their children’s responses immediately after birth by watching their neonates’ videos to promote bonding between parents and children [ 13 , 17 ]. Thus, remote medicine is considered a useful means of mitigating the adverse effects of the isolation of parents and children, despite parent restriction from NICU entry due to COVID-19.…”