Oregon residents may be interested in learning more about the push for implementing cameras into operating rooms to better document surgical procedures. Trailing only cancer and heart disease, medical errors is the third-leading cause of death in the country, killing an estimated 400,000 people every year. Many of these surviving relatives believe they would have more answers about their loved ones’ demise if physicians’ and staff members’ activities were monitored by cameras installed in surgical operating rooms.
There are now several groups driving a movement focused on implementing regulations that would require hospitals to use video and audio equipment to monitor medical procedures. A Toronto physician has developed a device synonymous to an airplane’s ‘black box”. The apparatus syncs the patient’s vitals with the recordings so surgeons can review their own performance like athletes review game tape. The recording can be used as a tool for self-improvement and evaluation, similarly to what employees use in many other industries.
There has already been legislation introduced in Wisconsin that could require hospitals in the state to use cameras in the operating rooms. Public advocacy groups have supported a surviving relative of a victim of medical error with pushing the bill to the forefront. Monitoring the surgeries with video and audio equipment makes the procedures more transparent and the medical record more accurate. The improvement in data collection may also provide policy makers with more insight as well.
Patients who have been harmed by surgical negligence may want to discuss their situation with a medical malpractice attorney. In some cases, it may be advisable to file a lawsuit seeking damages from the responsible parties.