Video-based patient monitoring in long-term inpatient care

Abstract

Purpose Video-based monitoring systems in long-term inpatient care represent an opportunity to increase patient safety. Technologies using infrared technology, as well as video and sound transmission are used to recognize movement to prevent falls and enable the continuous recording of vital parameters. Individual assessment of the necessity and limits of application from a nursing care perspective is essential due to the restriction on the patient’s privacy and autonomy. Care professionals as well as the public were asked about the potentials and risk factors of video-based monitoring systems using semi-structured interviews and an online survey. This paper intends to provide a basis for discussion for the use of video-based monitoring systems in long-term inpatient care facilities. The aim is to conduct qualitative and quantitative fostering a critical analysis of the topic. In addition to displaying the opinion of the general public, the limitations and potential benefits of these technologies are illustrated and ethical aspects are discussed. Method The research was conducted in a mixed-method design by a student research group. Interviews were conducted with nursing care professionals (n=4) and people from the public (n=244) were surveyed on the topic of video-based monitoring systems via an online survey. The interviews were analysed using inductive, structured content analysis methods as Mayring describes to be a suitable analysis method. The online survey was analysed using statistical methods to draw credible quantitative results. Results and Discussion The results clearly show that video-based monitoring systems have both advantages and disadvantages as well as ethical aspects and factors that influence the acceptance of video-based monitoring which must be weighed up individually. A total of 47,1% (n=115) of survey participants are in favor of the use of monitoring systems in nursing, while 40,1% (n=98) are undecided.  In contrast, 185 people (75,8%) of the survey participants are of the opinion that video monitoring systems should not be used across the board and that specific groups of people should be considered differentially. Frequently cited reasons for this are data protection, restriction of privacy and self-determination, as well as the fear of data abuse. The most frequently mentioned advantages from the interviews included continual vital sign monitoring, faster reactions in emergencies, a reduction in the workload of nursing staff and an increase in patient safety, for example through improved fall prevention for patients.The hereby collected data suggests that a general interest in the implementation of video-based monitoring systems is apparent among the population. In order to increase acceptance, of aspects such as data protection, privacy and possible abuse of data, further research is needed to establish a reliable conclusion to this matter.