Introducing video into maternity care research : lessons learned

Introduction: Media can have powerful influences on the public perception of birth, including women and families and health care professionals. Examination of media is critical to understanding its influence and to using it as a potential intervention in the health care of women and their families. Methods: This workshop will present an introduction to aspects of researching the effect of media and its use as an intervention and as research tool. The presenters will describe several research methods in media analysis, demonstrate methodological approaches, present findings from their own studies, and will discuss future areas for research. Results: Participants will be encouraged to bring their own ideas for media research, which will be explored in an interactive group process. At the end of the workshop ideas for future collaboration and an interest group will be identified. Conclusion: The future of media research in health care is promising. Capturing its power to influence women's perceptions of pregnancy and birth as opportunities to establish the health of their infant is an important goal for researchers and health professionals