6. Recording equipment

Emergency and intensive care environments are dynamic and unpredictable. While specialized recording equipment can be ideal, the ability to capture critical moments for review often depends on adaptability and accessibility. Prioritizing device flexibility allows for timely recording, maximizing learning opportunities:

Key Considerations:

  • Time- and resource constraints: Choose devices that are readily available on your department and make sure that recording is streamlined in critical care delivery to reduce adding extra strains on your providers.

  • Security and Privacy: Ensure chosen devices are compliant with hospital policies for data security and patient privacy. Establish clear protocols for transfer, storage, and deletion of recordings.

  • Technical Aspects: Brief training for staff on basic recording functions of available devices helps optimize capture quality and smooth workflow. The primary goal is to capture the content, even if the image resolution is not perfect.

Emphasis: While specialized equipment offers advantages, prioritizing device flexibility empowers providers to record valuable learning experiences in the often-unpredictable world of emergency and intensive care.

Options:

  • Fixed Cameras: Strategically installed in procedure rooms or resuscitation bays offer overhead or wide-angle views, capturing the broader context of complex events. Ideal for established workflows with predictable patient positioning.

  • Mobile Cameras: Mounted on tripods or carts, these provide adaptable perspectives, easily moved to different locations or to focus on specific actions during unexpected events.

  • Wearable Cameras: Body-worn or head-mounted devices provide a first-person view of care, valuable for skill assessment and hands-on training. Useful for capturing detailed techniques and interactions.

  • Patient Monitoring Systems: Some existing monitoring systems have recording capabilities. These can supplement other views, potentially integrating video with vital signs and other physiological data for comprehensive analysis.

  • Motion-detecting cameras: Motion-detecting cameras streamline medical procedure recording, automatically capturing unexpected events.

GoPro or comparable action cameras are renowned for their durability and rugged design, making them ideal for active use in challenging medical environments. Their wide-angle capabilities offer a distinct advantage by capturing a broader field of view, allowing viewers to gain a comprehensive understanding. Various accessories provide versatile mounting options, ensuring flexibility in capturing different angles and perspectives.

Due to the waterproof housing, audio quality may suffer, affecting the ability to capture clear and nuanced audio alongside the video recording. To enhance audio quality, explore the option of using an external microphone that can capture sound more accurately.

Pros:

  • Durability: Designed for active use, GoPros are rugged and resilient.

  • Wide-Angle: GoPros capture a broad field of view, showcasing more of the surgical area.

  • Waterproof: Their waterproof design withstands sterilization methods involving moisture.

  • Mounting Options: Accessories allow versatile mounting in various angles.

Cons:

  • Fixed Focus: GoPros may lack adjustable focus settings, affecting the depth of field.

  • Battery Life: Depending on settings, battery life may be limited during extended procedures.

  • Limited Audio: Audio quality may be compromised due to the waterproof housing.

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