title: Video ethnography during and after caesarean sections: methodological challenges.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the challenges of, and steps taken to successfully collect video ethnographic data during and after caesarean sections.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Video ethnographic research uses real-time video footage to study a cultural group or phenomenon in the natural environment. It allows researchers to discover previously undocumented practices, which in-turn provides insight into strengths and weaknesses in practice. This knowledge can be used to translate evidence-based interventions into practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Video ethnographic design.
  
  
  METHODS
  A video ethnographic approach was used to observe the contact between mothers and babies immediately after elective caesarean sections in a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Women, their support people and staff participated in the study. Data were collected via video footage and field notes in the operating theatre, recovery and the postnatal ward.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Challenges faced whilst conducting video ethnographic research included attaining ethics approval, recruiting vast numbers of staff members and 'vulnerable' pregnant women, and endeavouring to be a 'fly on the wall' and a 'complete observer'. There were disadvantages being an 'insider' whilst conducting the research because occasionally staff members requested help with clinical tasks whilst collecting data; however, it was an advantage as it enabled ease of access to the environment and staff members that were to be recruited. Despite the challenges, video ethnographic research enabled the provision of unique data that could not be attained by any other means.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Video ethnographic data are beneficial as it provides exceptionally rich data for in-depth analysis of interactions between the environment, equipment and people in the hospital environment. The analysis of this type of data can then be used to inform improvements for future care.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schmied
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia (Affiliate of the Ingham Institute).
authors.forename: Hannah G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Dahlen
mesh_terms: D000884:Anthropology, Cultural / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: caesarean section; ethics; ethnography; operating theatre; skin-to-skin contact; video ethnography