Ethical Considerations for Photography in Research and Publication

Photography in research and publications is intended to add reliability and credibility to the images represented, although it has become increasingly evident that photographs can be manipulated. Objectives: to describe guidelines that have been developed in North America and Europe regarding patient consent for clinical photography. However, many of these guidelines have failed to protect the identities of all patients because they are applied only loosely in developing countries. Methods: Photographs of patients and disease entities are used for many purposes in dentistry. They are incorporated into the dental record as an adjunct to clinical care, displayed to colleagues, students and other audiences in educational settings, and published in scientific journals or other media as part of dental research. In each case it is not only prudent, but necessary for the patients' protection and interest that appropriate and valid consent be obtained. Results: While dental journals invariably require written consent for photographs that may identify the patient, the format of the photograph consent form is usually not specified, nor is it always clear which images require consent. With the advancement of information technology and the proliferation of published images on the Internet it has become particularly important to obtain permission for all uses that will be made of dental images, including worldwide distribution through various electronic media. Conclusion: Historically, the focus of researchers and scientific journals has been to preserve the anonymity of their subjects. Over the past decade, however, this focus has shifted toward obtaining full consent for all images, even those that do not identify the subject. Many journals have outlined new procedures for obtaining patient consent for publication of photographic images. This presentation will explore issues of informed consent, confidentiality and other ethical considerations for clinical photography in both research and publication.