Hundreds of patients and colleagues benefit from the behind the scenes work of clinical photographers helping support patient diagnosis and treatment monitoring every year.
But how is this different from a photographer taking a school picture, capturing photos for a hobby or an event? Well, this highly skilled team play a crucial role in providing high-quality photos to clinicians to support them in making decisions about a patient’s care.
This service, although not as well-known, work with colleagues at our hospitals in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford and follow set of national standards by the Institute of Medical Illustrators.
The team consists of trainee and clinical photographers who are typically educated to degree level with experience using graphic design and video production software.
A typical day
On a typical day the team may be called to take photos of patient wounds, skin conditions, dental imaging, pre-post-surgical images along with attending patient clinics.
These images are then uploaded to a confidential electronic patient record (EPR) and may be used to aid diagnosis, help monitor the development of a clinical condition, used for referral purposes, or for the planning further treatment.
Building a connection with patients
There are also moments of joy, where they have been known to help in end-of-life settings when they sometimes capture a couple’s last moments together as they make their wedding vows.
A bit like a fly on a wall, their privileged position allows them to see patients through the various stages of their patient journey, often at times when they are at their most vulnerable.
The photographers often form close relationships with patients through their work helping put them at ease and explaining why the photographs are important.
They may photograph things that can be upsetting and challenging to capture.
Julie Hart, lead clinical photography manager, said: “Looking through a lens you can feel a bit distant to what you’re capturing. It might not be till later that you decompress and take it on board. But you have a job to do and a picture paints a thousand words. It’s so vital.”
There are also moments of joy, where they have been known to help in end-of-life settings when they sometimes capture a couple’s last moments together as they make their wedding vows.
The impact of technology
As technology has developed and evolved, so has clinical photography with the speed of the whole process improving. Images are now stored digitally and can be accessed remotely by a clinician within a matter of minutes.
This can be crucial for areas such as dermatology in supporting diagnosis around skin cancer and assisting with the two-week wait pathway.
The impact of the team behind the lens can go quietly unnoticed but it’s their resilience, steely determination and compassion which sets them apart.
One day you might find yourself talking to a clinical photographer, remember this vital service is there to support you on your journey.
Find out more about the service.