Video recording as a data collection method in vulnerable populations - methodological and ethical considerations

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research ethics
• Qualitative research methodology
• Video recording in sensitive contexts

Background:

• Video recording in healthcare research introduces ethical complexities, particularly concerning vulnerable participants.
• Existing guidelines inadequately address the intersection of ethical considerations and methodological choices in video-based qualitative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present methodological and ethical considerations for video recording vulnerable participants.
• To provide guidance for researchers planning video research with vulnerable populations.
• To inspire reflection on ethical and methodological choices in video research.

Main Methods:

• Reflective analysis of personal experiences in video recording vulnerable patients.
• Integration of existing research studies and ethical guidelines.
• Examination of the intertwined nature of methodological and ethical decisions.

Main Results:

• Video recordings offer unique insights into human interaction and relationships in healthcare.
• Methodological and ethical considerations are deeply interconnected and require simultaneous assessment.
• The study highlights the lack of specific tools for linking ethical and methodological aspects in video research.

Conclusions:

• Empirically and ethically sound practices in video research are crucial for protecting participants.
• A reflective approach is necessary to navigate the ethical challenges of video recording vulnerable individuals.
• This work can serve as a foundation for developing tools to guide ethical video research.