A multi-state survey of videotaping practices for major trauma resuscitations

J Emerg Med. 1999 Jul-Aug;17(4):597-604. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(99)00048-7.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and problems, both perceived and actual, associated with videotaping major trauma resuscitations. A cross-sectional two-part survey of trauma centers was conducted. Part 1 determined demographic information and videotaping status. Part 2 asked trauma centers that were not doing videotaping (NVTCs) about their plans, past experience, and perceived problems. Videotaping trauma centers (VTCs) were asked about mechanics, responsibility, utilization, and problems. A total of 221 centers were surveyed; 20% VTCs, 70% NVTCs, and 10% NVTCs that had videotaped in the past (PVTC). Among VTCs, 53% reported problems with videotaping including lack of personnel (40%) and time (40%) to administer the program. Videotaping, however, was found to be an effective quality improvement tool in 95% of the VTCs. Of the NVTCs, 70% perceived problems with implementing a videotaping program; these included medicolegal (34%) and patient confidentiality (22%) concerns. Of the PVTCs, 90% stated that they had problems with videotaping including lack of staff support (33%) and lack of personnel to assist with the program (24%). In conclusion, staff participation and adequate personnel outweigh medicolegal concerns as actual videotaping problems. Videotaping is perceived to be an effective performance improvement tool.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Organizational Policy
  • Resuscitation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Trauma Centers / organization & administration
  • Trauma Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Video Recording / statistics & numerical data*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*