A VIDEO training scheme for doctors received a major setback following the allegations that a Cork GP had videotaped female patients during examinations.
Dr Declan Murphy, incoming president of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), said the case had "led to a major hiatus" with, the scheme in which video cameras were used in GPs' training.
"But patients are much more circumspect now about giving their permission," he said.
People associated video consultations with pornography, said Dr Murphy. "But it is an enormously valuable tool. The video is used to record the conversational aspect of the consultation, not for examinations," he said.
Dr Michael Coughlan, chairman of the ICGP, compared the case in Cork involving allegations against a doctor as being like an "earthquake with its epicentre in Cork". But he added that the ICGP faculty in Cork had handled the situation well.
Dr Murphy said the patient's permission was always sought and the consultation at the GP's desk was normally the only thing recorded. Certain minor surgical procedures were also taped but always with the permission of the patient.
On communication between doctors and their patients, Dr Coughlan said many complaints to the Medical Council could be avoided if there was proper communication.
The ICGP is to carry out a nationwide survey to measure patient satisfaction.
Dr Coughlan said he believes the majority of,complaints come from the hospital setting where medicine was practised more anonymously "and a patient can tend to become just a number".
"Patients need information, communication, understanding of their illness and how to deal with it, reassurance and not just a prescription," he said.