The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently implemented stricter guidelines concerning live surgical broadcasts, focusing on patient safety, ethical considerations, and the educational value of such demonstrations. While these guidelines aim to curb the potential misuse and commercial exploitation associated with live surgeries, they do not place restrictions on the introduction and performance of new surgical procedures.
The NMC's new directives emphasize that live surgery broadcasts should primarily serve educational purposes, moving away from using them as promotional tools for surgeons, hospitals, or medical brands. Surgeons are also prohibited from having any financial interests in the devices or equipment used during the operations. This measure seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure that patient welfare remains the top priority.
Under the new guidelines, live broadcasts are deemed acceptable for showcasing new surgical procedures, but recordings are recommended for established or high-risk cases. This distinction acknowledges the potential educational benefits of demonstrating novel techniques while minimizing risks to patients. The NMC favors promoting recorded video, wet lab, cadaveric, and simulation-based surgeries, as these methods do not pose any direct risk to patients.
To ensure patient safety and ethical standards, the NMC has laid out several requirements for conducting live surgical broadcasts. Prior permission from relevant regulatory bodies, associations, or institutions is mandatory. Live surgeries must be performed in accredited hospitals equipped with the necessary pre-operative, operative, and post-operative facilities, including intensive care units and essential equipment to manage any complications. Contingency plans and qualified standby staff must also be readily available.
The selection of patients for live broadcasts is also subject to strict criteria. Patients with high-risk conditions, incomplete investigations, or unusual anatomy are excluded from live demonstrations. Financial incentives for patient participation are strictly prohibited. Informed consent must be obtained by the operating surgeon or team, ensuring that patients understand the educational purpose of the broadcast, the associated risks and benefits, their right to anonymity and confidentiality, and their right to withdraw consent at any time.
The new guidelines also address the costs associated with live surgeries. Patients should not incur any charges related to the surgery, including implants, medications, and post-operative care. Furthermore, patients should be enrolled in insurance coverage to protect them against unforeseen incidents during the live procedure, with the limitations of such insurance clearly explained. Any surgery-related complications must be managed free of charge.
During the live broadcast, the operating surgeon can provide step-wise commentary but should avoid interacting with the audience to maintain focus on patient safety. A moderator may offer separate commentary. The NMC also emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and preserving unedited recordings of the procedures for at least two years, unless involved in litigation.
These measures by the NMC reflect a growing concern about the potential for commercial exploitation and ethical breaches in live surgical broadcasts. By prioritizing patient safety, emphasizing educational value, and setting stringent ethical standards, the NMC aims to ensure that live surgeries are conducted responsibly and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge without compromising patient well-being. The new guidelines do not restrict new procedures but ensure that all procedures are conducted with the utmost regard for patient safety and ethical considerations.
