Use of video recorders in auditing initial assessment times

The Patient's Charter (Department of Health 1992) states that patients attending Accident and Emergency departments will 'be seen immediately' and have 'their need for treatment assessed'. This paper describes a research project aimed at gathering accurate and reliable information regarding initial assessment times in a busy Emergency department. The use of closed circuit cameras and video recordings will be described. Ethical considerations will be highlighted along with the results of the study.