Sustained orientation to one activity in multiactivity during prenatal ultrasound examinations

Abstract

Drawing on 32 video-recordings of prenatal ultrasound examinations in Japan, I explore practices that the participants employ to organise multiactivity. I demonstrate that transitory phases in each examination, for example searching a next item to show on the ultrasound monitor, are systematic opportunities for the participants to initiate additional activities, such as giving general advice. During such phases talk is released from the ongoing ultrasound examination and is available for other activities. However, while engaging in an additional activity, participants sustain their orientation to the ongoing examination through gaze directions, body orientations, hand movements, and so forth. I conclude by discussing implications for healthcare practices of this organisation of multiple activities.

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