A multi-state survey of videotaping practices for major trauma resuscitations

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and problems, both perceived and actual, associated with videotaping major trauma resuscitations. A cross-sectional two-part survey of trauma centers was conducted. Part 1 determined demographic information and videotaping status. Part 2 asked trauma centers that were not doing videotaping (NVTCs) about their plans, past experience, and perceived problems. Videotaping trauma centers (VTCs) were asked about mechanics, responsibility, utilization, and problems. A total of 221 centers were surveyed; 20% VTCs, 70% NVTCs, and 10% NVTCs that had videotaped in the past (PVTC). Among VTCs, 53% reported problems with videotaping including lack of personnel (40%) and time (40%) to administer the program. Videotaping, however, was found to be an effective quality improvement tool in 95% of the VTCs. Of the NVTCs, 70% perceived problems with implementing a videotaping program; these included medicolegal (34%) and patient confidentiality (22%) concerns. Of the PVTCs, 90% stated that they had problems with videotaping including lack of staff support (33%) and lack of personnel to assist with the program (24%). In conclusion, staff participation and adequate personnel outweigh medicolegal concerns as actual videotaping problems. Videotaping is perceived to be an effective performance improvement tool.