SPHERE KT STRATEGIC PLATFORM

FILM DOCUMENTS MATERNAL HEALTH DECISION-MAKING EXPERIENCES

 

A short documentary examining shared decision-making in maternal healthcare was completed, offering valuable insights into the experiences of women undergoing elective Caesarean sections and labor inductions.

 

The film, "Informed Choices," represents the collaborative efforts of the SPHERE Maternal Newborn and Women's Clinical Academic Group (CAG) and artists Michele Elliot,  Caitlin Gibson and film editor Sarah Panzetta, who served as artists-in-residence on the project.

 

"Our aim was to document both clinical perspectives and patient experiences in a balanced way," said Gibson and Elliot. "We wanted to explore how communication functions during these important healthcare decisions." The documentary features audio interviews with healthcare providers and women who have experienced planned birth interventions. Sarah Panzetta used thoughtful visual  storytelling  alongside the interviews to bring to life the nuances of the atmosphere and emotions linked to the decision-making process.

 

Professor Margaret Wilson a researcher on the project said "it represents an important contribution to our understanding of shared decision-making in maternal healthcare. We hope it will serve as a useful resource for both practitioners and patients."  Dr. Helen Roberts, an obstetrician who also contributed to the project, noted its educational value. "This film provides an opportunity for clinicians to better understand how our communication is received by patients, which may help improve our practice."

 

Several mothers shared their experiences anonymously. One participant explained, "Having my concerns acknowledged made a significant difference in how comfortable I felt with my decision. It's important that women know they have a voice in this process."

 

The project has been created as a tool for reflection. "The film offers a useful perspective on our consultation approaches," said Dr. Thomas Chen, Director of Maternity Services at Eastern Sydney Hospital. "It reminds us of the importance of clear, respectful communication."

 

Michele Elliot, whose background in textile arts informed the visual aspects of the film, described their approach: "We used visual elements to represent the layered nature of medical decision-making, incorporating different materials to show how various factors come together."

 

Dr. Barbara Doran, who curated the project, emphasized its purpose as a knowledge translation initiative. "The film serves as a bridge between research findings and practical application, helping to communicate complex experiences in an accessible format."

 

The documentary will be available for educational purposes at medical facilities across New South Wales, with plans for wider distribution to healthcare education programs. An online version with accompanying resources for healthcare providers is scheduled for release next month.