Guidelines for the Ethical Publication of Facial Photographs and Review of the Literature. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, Katelyn G.; Bonawitz, Steven C.; Vercler, Christian J.
• Is Part Of: Cleft palate-craniofacial journal. Volume 56:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: facial photographs -- ethics -- photograph publication; Cleft palate -- Periodicals; Skull -- Abnormalities -- Periodicals; Cranial manipulation -- Periodicals; Skull -- Abnormalities -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Abnormalities -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Fente palatine -- Périodiques; Crâne -- Malformations -- Périodiques; Manipulation crânienne -- Périodiques; Crâne -- Malformations -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Face -- Malformations -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Cleft palate; Cranial manipulation; Face -- Abnormalities -- Surgery; Skull -- Abnormalities; Skull -- Abnormalities -- Surgery; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Facial Bones -- abnormalities; Skull -- abnormalities; Periodicals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.522
• DOI: 10.1177/1055665618774026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-6656

Abstract

Facial photography presents a unique ethical dilemma, as faces are difficult to deidentify for publication. We performed a review of the literature to examine current guidelines for the publication of facial photographs. We also reviewed societies' websites, journal requirements, and ethical and legal aspects of confidentiality. Most articles emphasized the importance of consent for photography and publication. Masking is not appropriate, but some journals continue to allow masking. Most legislation allows patients to restrict the uses of photographs. In the end, it is imperative to protect patient privacy by obtaining consent for photograph publication after full disclosure of risks, and specific recommendations are provided regarding a comprehensive consent process.