How to Periscope a live surgery

Live-streaming a surgical procedure on Periscope can provide an unprecedented peek into the operating room for potential patients and their families. Success, however, requires careful attention to a variety of things that can go right—and wrong.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital recently used Periscope to show the reconstruction of the chest wall of a 13-year-old boy. A pectus excavatum surgery is the result of a congenital defect in which the chest wall and rib cage are deformed and appear “caved in.” If left untreated, it can impact the heart and lungs.

The surgical team of four doctors and three nurses—as well as the parents—fully supported the live video. Though the operation lasted just an hour, we learned several lessons for future “scopes.”

Live streaming creates an instant, interactive community. Communicators and executives may be surprised to find former patients, potential patients, family members, clinicians and caregivers often feel comfortable asking and answering questions in real-time. However, without preparation, technical issues and privacy concerns can potentially overshadow the benefits.

Here are the takeaways for successfully streaming a live surgery:

Before