What is necessary to use a patient's photos in a presentation about posterior tibial tendon dysfunction?

Having a patient's written permission to use their photos is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it upholds the principles of patient confidentiality and respect for individual privacy, which are foundational elements in healthcare practice. Medical and healthcare providers are bound by ethical guidelines and legal regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States, which mandate that personal health information, including identifiable images, cannot be shared without explicit consent from the patient.

Acquiring written permission ensures that the patient is fully informed about how their images will be used and gives them control over their own identifiable information. This practice not only protects the patient’s rights but also fosters trust between the healthcare providers and the patients.

Other options may address privacy concerns to some extent, but they do not provide the comprehensive legal and ethical protection that obtaining the patient's permission offers. For instance, obtaining permission from the prescribing physician does not cover the patient's rights or consent. Similarly, covering the eyes of the patient may not sufficiently anonymize the individual, especially if there are distinguishing features visible in the photo. Including the patient's name could violate their privacy unless explicit consent has been obtained to do so. Therefore, having the patient's written permission is the most reliable and respectful way to proceed with using