Factors Influencing Consent to Having Videotaped Mental Health Sessions

Objective: The authors critically reviewed the literature regarding factors influencing consent to having videotaped mental health sessions. Methods: The authors searched the literature in PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from the mid-1950s through February 2009. Results: The authors identified 27 studies, of which 19 (73%) examined general practice. Only 4 (15%) were in mental health. Most patients agree to be videotaped when asked. Those who did not consent tended to be female and younger, with previous psychiatric history or psychological distress. The data are mixed about whether psychiatric patients felt inhibited in videotaped sessions. Conclusion: The mental health literature in this area is limited and dated. Implications for practice are drawn inferentially from the general-practice literature. Recommendations for increasing the consent rate include building a relationship with patients before asking them for videotaping and, when asking, explaining the educational value and specific purpose of the recording. Academic Psychiatry 2011; 35: 199-201