Using digital photography for teaching and learning health professionals: The ethical implications

Photography within the healthcare setting has seen significant advances in technology over recent decades. Utilisation of digital photography has been a critical aspect in the management of patients with traumatic injuries and an effective teaching tool for those in the healthcare and academic setting. Avenues such as tele-health have enabled those in remote and rural Australia to access appropriate and timely treatment. However, modes of communication such as social media and mobile phone technology have made the inappropriate sharing of digital photography accessible and ubiquitous. Subsequently, this has raised significant ethical and legal concerns given the ease for which information is shared. Informed and documented consent for obtaining and utilising patients’ photographic data is essential in order to protect patients’ privacy. Furthermore, the storage of photographic data has ethical and medico legal implications that need careful consideration. Therefore, healthcare professionals must practice sound ethical decision making that complies with current policy and guidelines. Raising awareness to the ethical implications of digital photography to those in the healthcare and academic setting is essential. Policy and guidelines governing these practices therefore need to reflect the current technological environment.