A cross-sectional pilot study to investigate patient attitudes and perception regarding the use of real time digital recording of urological procedures for research and teaching purposes

Little conclusive evidence exists regarding the best way to educate and evaluate skill acquisition of advanced surgical trainees, despite it being recognised as one of the most important aspects of training. Many laparoscopic trainers have been produced with complex engineering at great cost, but, there seems to be a reluctance to use the most precious entity available to us; the patient. We thus propose the use of real time digital recording of urological procedures for research and teaching purposes. This study was prompted by the lack of literature regarding such issues. A 19 question questionnaire was circulated at a single urology out-patient department (Essex, England) over a 6 month period to evaluate attitudes and perceptions of urological patients on potentially having their procedure digitally recorded for educational and research purposes. 11 patients declined, 187 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Male patients are more willing to consent than female patients. Older patients resulted to have a higher propensity in being recorded for medical teaching. Greater than 50% believe being recorded is intrusive but the majority do not think privacy is an issue. Lastly, the vast majority require a formal debrief post operatively. Our results show that a percentage of the public are potentially willing to be digitally recorded but many financial and social barriers exist. We have also highlighted areas of possible future research, namely the reluctance behind young urology patients to consent and questions regarding how best to educate possible study participants to ensure proper informed consent is gained.