Open video data sharing in developmental science and clinical practice

Abstract

Summary: In behavioral research and clinical practice video data has rarely been shared or pooled across sites due to ethical concerns of confidentiality, although the need of shared large-scaled datasets remains increasing. This demand is even more imperative when data-heavy computer-based approaches are involved. To share data while abiding by privacy protection rules, a critical question arises whether efforts at data de-identification reduce data utility? We addressed this question by showcasing an established and video-based diagnostic tool for detecting neurological deficits. We demonstrated for the first time that, for analyzing infant neuromotor functions, pseudonymization by face-blurring video recordings is a viable approach. The redaction did not affect classification accuracy for either human assessors or artificial intelligence methods, suggesting an adequate and easy-to-apply solution for sharing behavioral video data. Our work shall encourage more innovative solutions to share and merge stand-alone video datasets into large data pools to advance science and public health.

Keywords

• Pediatrics
• Diagnostics
• Clinical neuroscience