Description

Outsider, insider, alongsider: Examining reflexivity in hospitalbased video research

KATHERINE CARROLL

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Sydney, NSW Australia

ABSTRACT

This research examines the power relations between the researcher, clinicians, the video camera and its footage in two innovative methodologies called ‘video ethnography’ and ‘video-reflexivity’. These methodologies have successfully facilitated clinician-learning and clinician-led practice redesign in Australian hospitals. Yet, to date, the literature has not acknowledged the power relationships that exist within these methodologies’ creative potential. This article uses a feminist framework to further theorise these methodologies as feminist video researchers have already problematised issues of power, researcher reflexivity and the collaborative use of video. Using an Australian intensive care unit (ICU) as a case study, this article unpacks the power relations involved in the use of video ethnography and video-reflexivity. It argues that researcher reflexivity and attention to power relations needs to be at the forefront of researchers’ practice to ensure that video ethnography and videoreflexivity’s careful use remains foundational to the methodology, rather than being reliant upon happenstance or individual researchers’ ethical care.

Keywords: video ethnography, video-reflexivity, feminism, reflexivity, intensive care unit, power