Is a Video Worth a Thousand Words?

Authors

Laura Kolbe
Ryan H Nelson
Joelle Robertson-Preidler
Olivia Schuman
Inmaculada de Melo-Martín

Language

English

Publication Date

7-1-2022

Journal

AMA Journal of Ethics

DOI

10.1001/amajethics.2022.549

PMID

35838382

Abstract

Bodily imagery elicits strong affective responses and is highly salient, potentially altering viewers' decision making. When clinicians engage surrogates in video calls showing the patient's body, several competing ethical issues must be considered. On the one hand, surrogates may require visual information to make informed decisions, and video technology closes crucial information gaps. On the other, video technology puts an increased amount of control in the hands of clinicians over how the patient's condition is perceived. This article explores some situations that can result in manipulation due to the affective impact of bodily images and the potential for selectivity and framing. Focusing on goals of care, the paper outlines the foremost ethical considerations for clinicians and provides recommendations for clinicians on how to reduce possible manipulation when making these video calls.

Keywords

Decision Making, Humans

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Kolbe, Laura; Nelson, Ryan H; Robertson-Preidler, Joelle; et al., "Is a Video Worth a Thousand Words?" (2022). Faculty and Staff Publications. 13.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/ethics_pub/13