Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients 

This guidance sets out what to consider if you are making or using visual and audio recordings of patients. It includes eight key principles of good practice. And explains when you will need specific patient consent and what to do if your patient doesn't have capacity. There is also a section on recording telephone calls. As well as recordings made for wider accessible public media, such as the TV or internet.

Confidentiality is another important factor. This is why we have included advice on what to consider when storing or disposing of recordings, and using a recording of a deceased patient.

This guidance came into effect 9 May 2011. 

It was updated on the 18 December to reflect the new Research guidance and the regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates on the 13 December 2024 by the GMC.