Doctors Suffering from 'Recording Neurosis' Amid Patient Concerns

In a recent development, numerous A4 sheets stating 'Recording and filming in the examination room is prohibited' were plastered across the entrance of outpatient clinics in a university hospital in Seoul. A professor from the obstetrics department at one of Seoul's 'Big 5' hospitals shared that after informing a high-risk pregnant patient about a 10% chance of complications during childbirth, her husband began recording every consultation. He expressed concern that such actions foster distrust, which can negatively impact patient outcomes when doctors are unable to practice freely.

Physicians in essential medical fields, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency medicine, report that patient recordings have become commonplace. Many doctors feel a sense of dread whenever a patient reaches for their phone, fearing it might be used to record their conversation. With recent court rulings awarding over 1 billion KRW in damages for medical malpractice in these fields, the anxiety surrounding recordings has intensified.

Doctors believe that many of these recordings are made in preparation for potential lawsuits. An emergency room specialist at a large hospital noted that when explaining a patient's condition, family members often pull out their phones as if they were microphones, which can be disheartening. Some patients have even used excerpts from these recordings to file complaints against hospitals and the government, claiming inadequate treatment.

Dr. Sang-hyuk Ma, a pediatrician at Changwon Fatima Hospital, mentioned that some guardians even film the examination process. He recounted instances where patients edited recordings of pediatricians' explanations, posting them on parenting forums to warn others against visiting certain clinics. A pediatrician from Goyang expressed concern over 'devil's editing,' where only negative aspects of a doctor's advice are highlighted, prompting him to secretly record conversations when he suspects a parent is recording.

Legally, it is challenging to prosecute patients or guardians for recording conversations with doctors. While secretly recording a conversation involving a third party may violate privacy laws, there are currently no regulations against a patient recording their own interactions with a physician.

Medical professionals warn that the trend of recording consultations could ultimately harm patients in the long run. Dr. Seung-jung Park, a leading cardiologist at Asan Medical Center, stated in a recent interview that he often encounters guardians who are quick to record when he tries to share his medical judgment. This shift has led to a more defensive approach in emergency procedures, even for patients who could potentially be saved.

A professor from Severance Hospital noted that younger generations, accustomed to documenting everything, are more inclined to leave behind evidence to clarify disputes, indicating a cultural shift.

There are also patients who record for different reasons. One parent, whose child has developmental disabilities, has been waiting over three years for an initial consultation with a renowned child psychiatrist at a Big 5 hospital. During each visit, the parent records the psychiatrist's brief instructions, ensuring they do not miss any details.

Dr. Min Kim, an ophthalmology professor at Gangnam Severance Hospital, remarked that while many patients discreetly record their consultations, he tends to ignore it. He acknowledged that patients often struggle to remember everything discussed, which is why they choose to record.

Some patient advocacy groups suggest that the medical community has contributed to this situation. Following numerous incidents of sexual misconduct by medical staff in cosmetic surgery, patients have turned to recording as a means of self-protection against potential abuse.