Use of Photography in Dermatology: Ethical and Legal Implications

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2020Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)Author(s): J. Arimany Manso, R. Taberner Ferrer, I. Pidevall, J.M. Mascaró Ballester, C. Martin-FumadóAbstractPhotographs are necessary in the clinical practice of dermatology, but there are ethical implications to consider. Moreover, dermatologists must be aware of and comply with certain legal requirements affecting the use of photographs. The main ethical principles are respect for patient autonomy and the physician’s obligation to do no harm. The law differentiates between 2 bases for protection: one concerns the photographed person’s rights over the image and the other protects personal data. Recent legislation places restrictions on taking photographs and exhibiting them. Photographs taken to be stored with a medical history have not been called into question, but the physician is recommended to inform the patient that they exist. When a photograph is exhibited for the purpose of teaching or illustrating concepts, it is necessary to determine whether or not the patient can be identified. If the answer is yes, the patient must give explicit permission. Caution should be exercised when publishing medical photographs on social media.ResumenEl uso de la fotografía, necesario en el ejercicio de la dermatología, conlleva unas implicaciones médico-legales y bioéticas que deben conocerse y cumplirse. Éticamente destacan los principios de autonomía y de no malefice...
Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research