London: Patients who film their medical treatments for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram may be jeopardizing both their privacy and the well-being of NHS staff, the Society of Radiographers (SoR) has warned.
During the trade union’s annual conference, members voiced concern over the increasing trend of patients recording procedures, often without seeking permission, on their mobile phones.
The SoR stated that such behavior can distract healthcare professionals and create anxiety among staff. It also risks exposing the confidential medical information of other individuals who may be present in the same hospital room or treatment area.
NHS workers often wear visible ID badges, making them easily identifiable in videos that may be posted online without their knowledge or consent.
Ashley d’Aquino, a therapeutic radiographer from London and a local union representative, shared her experience and noted that more staff members have recently approached her about some incidents.
d’Aquino acknowledged that in some cases, audio recordings of consultations can be helpful for patients who want to recall details later. However, the radiographer cautioned that people have become so accustomed to constant phone use that recording and sharing medical moments has become almost automatic, often without considering the consequences.
Dean Rogers, director of strategy at SoR, called for clear policies across all NHS trusts to prevent unauthorized filming.
Rogers stressed the need to consider whether such recordings compromise the confidentiality of other patients or hinder the medical staff’s ability to provide proper care. Some hospital trusts already have effective policies in place, but Rogers urged that such frameworks should be standard nationwide.
Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director at NHS England, emphasized that any patient who wishes to record part of their NHS care must first consult staff, and recordings should only be for personal use.
Capturing other patients on video without their permission constitutes a serious breach of confidentiality. “The information and treatment provided to other patients on NHS premises should never be recorded, let alone posted to social media,” Pandit added.
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