1. Consent for patient photography- Compliance within the modern plastic surgery department Nader Ibrahim, Leela Sayed, Reena Agarwal University Hospitals of Leicester, Plastic Surgery Department Introduction: Photography is invaluable within the modern plastic surgery department. Permits: Teaching/monitoring of wounds Reduces pain/risk of infection Allows senior/multidisciplinary input Verbal consent is often sought by surgical trainees during on-call and out of hour referrals Results in non-adherence to General Medical Council standards, the department of health and the institute of medical illustrators. Audit: Whether the implementation of a consent sticker improved written consent for patient photography within the plastic surgery department of a busy teaching hospital. Project Outcomes: Each audit cycle analysed 50 case notes known to have digital images taken. Confidentiality, data protection and patient consent sessions were held for surgical trainees and the consent sticker implemented. The audit was repeated to highlight adherence to best practice after the implementation of changes. The audit aims to highlight the importance of written consent for photography but also the use of digital information within the modern NHS. Results: The initial audit revealed that no surgical trainee had documented verbal or written consent for patient photography during on-call reviews. Introduction of the consent sticker resulted in an 80% increase in written consent and adherence to standards. The introduction of the consent sticker heralded a review into the use and storage of departmental digital information Conclusion: Implementation of the consent sticker has revolutionised departmental adherence to GMC guidance and handling of sensitive digital information. This offers protection to the patient, clinician and the trust. The patient can explicitly highlight the extent of use of their digital information. As stated in the GMC guidance "Digital recordings should be treated in the same way as other medical records" and patients should be made fully aware of the use and storage of their digital information Cost effective ( £ 0.001 per sticker) and may potentially prevent the risk of litigation and its associated cost. Patient Photography Consent Form Patient name…………..………………… S Number………………………......... I understand that the photography, to which I have agreed will be part of my medical records and may be used for teaching medical, paramedical, nursing staff and medical students. This consent limits their use to the purposes only specified by you and should it be desired to use your photograph(s) in any other way, for example, in a medical textbook or an on-line teaching resource, the Trust will seek your specific permission to do so. In view of the explanation given to me by: Prof/Dr/Mr/Miss/Mrs…………………………………………………., I consent to: A)Photographs being taken for my personal medical case notes. B) Photographs being made available for teaching in the healthcare context as described above. C)My photographs being published for the specific purpose described below. This does not extend to any further publication(s)……………………………………………………………… Signature of patient/parent/guardian: Date:……………………………Relationship, if not patient:………………………………. References: 1)http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/making_audiovisual.asphttp://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/making_audiovisual.asp 2)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reference-guide-to-consent- for-examination-or-treatment-second-editionhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reference-guide-to-consent- for-examination-or-treatment-second-edition