People_

Dr Rowena Forsyth

BA (Hons) (University of Sydney); Grad Cert Edu (High Ed) (University of Sydney); PhD (UNSW); Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

Senior Lecturer
Leadership team member Cyberpsychology Research Group (CRG)
Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health theme
School of Medical Sciences

Email

rowena.forsyth@sydney.edu.au

Biographical details

Dr Rowena Forsyth is a health sociologist with expertise in researching and teaching social dimensions of health and qualitative research methodology. Her research uses qualitative approaches to investigate social and relational aspects of patients’ and health professionals’ use of information resources and digital technologies. Her current research investigates how health professionals participate in online peer communities (including professional networking and social media platforms). The goal of this research is to understand how social connectedness is accomplished and reproduced through digital technologies so that such platforms can be used to enhance social support and connectedness. Her previous research examined how medical tourists incorporate information from online and real-world sources in their decision-making. Earlier research included projects on consent in bone marrow transplant, health journalists' conflicts of interest, patient-held health records and the implementation of computerised physician order entry systems.

Associations

Member of Digital Health and Informatics Network (DHIN)

Member of The International Sociological Association (ISA)

Member of The British Sociological Association (BSA)

Themes

E-Health and Health Care Delivery

Keywords

Informatics, Medical sociology, Social science

Approaches

Ethics, Qualitative Research

Current research students

Project title	Research student
Needs Assessment of Surgical Education and Training	Isaac EALING
Scam Compliance and Grooming: A Taxonomy of Early Warning Signs	Stephanie HABAK
Exploring clinicians' acceptance and use of hospital clinical decision support systems over time	Nicki NEWTON

Publications

By Type

Expand all

Book Chapters

Newton, N., Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Forsyth, R., Tariq, A., Baysari, M. (2023). Does Involving Clinicians in Decision Support Development Facilitate System Use Over Time? A Systematic Review. In Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Prgomet, M., Kuziemsky, C.E., Elkin, P., Nøhr, C. (Eds.), Context Sensitive Health Informatics and the Pandemic Boost, (pp. 11-15). Australia: IOS Press. [More Information]
Forsyth, R. (2023). Medical Tourism. In Alphia L Possamai-Inesedy, Peta Cook (Eds.), The sociology of health & illness. Critical perspectives for 21st century Australia, (pp. 160-176). Australia: Pearson.

Journals

Peralta, L., Forsyth, R., Lapi, N., Amon, K., Metsan, P., Wattelez, G., Chen, J., Galy, O., Caillaud, C. (2025). Health literacy of adolescents’ responses to a workshop focusing on food, nutrition, climate change and digital technology solutions in Oceania: a multi-site pilot study in Vanuatu. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 648. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Prasad, T. (2024). Cosmetic Medical Tourists' Use of Online Support Communities: Sharing Information, Reciprocity, and Enduring Relationships. Qualitative Health Research, , 10497323231219939-10497323231219939. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Campbell, A. (2024). Health Professionals’ Use of Online Communities for Interprofessional Peer Education. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 310, 1246-1250. [More Information]
Newton, N., Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Forsyth, R., Tariq, A., Baysari, M. (2024). How Are Clinicians' Acceptance and Use of Clinical Decision Support Systems Evaluated Over Time? A Systematic Review. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 310, 259-263. [More Information]
Wattelez, G., Amon, K., Forsyth, R., Frayon, S., Nedjar-Guerre, A., Caillaud, C., Galy, O. (2024). Self-reported and accelerometry measures of sleep components in adolescents living in Pacific Island countries and territories: Exploring the role of sociocultural background. Child: Care, Health and Development, 50(3), e13272. [More Information]
Alkhaibari, R., Smith-Merry, J., Forsyth, R. (2023). "I am not just a place for implementation. I should be a partner": a qualitative study of patient-centered care from the perspective of diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 1412-1412. [More Information]
Van Der Schyff, E., Forsyth, R., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Campbell, A. (2023). Increasing Access to Mental Health Services: Videogame Players’ Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6). [More Information]
Van Der Schyff, E., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Forsyth, R., Campbell, A. (2023). Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Male Video Game Players: An Online Survey. CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 26(9), 717-723. [More Information]
Alkhaibari, R., Smith-Merry, J., Forsyth, R., Raymundo, G. (2023). Patient-centered care in the Middle East and North African region: a systematic literature review. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 135-1-135-19. [More Information]
Pebdani, R., Leon, J., Won, D., deLeon, R., Dy, C., Forsyth, R., Keslacy, S. (2022). It Helps Me With Everything": A Qualitative Study of the Importance of Exercise for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.". Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 28(2), 176-184. [More Information]
Amon, K., Ridout, B., Forsyth, R., Campbell, A. (2022). Online Group Counseling for Young People Through a Customized Social Networking Platform: Phase 2 of Kids Helpline Circles. CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 25(9), 580-588. [More Information]
Asimakopoulou, K., Hoorens, V., Speed, E., Coulson, N., Antoniszczak, D., Collyer, F., Deschrijver, E., Dubbin, L., Faulks, D., Forsyth, R., et al (2020). Comparative optimism about infection and recovery from COVID-19; Implications for adherence with lockdown advice. Health Expectations, 23(6), 1502-1511. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Scanlan, C., Kerridge, I. (2019). Optimising consent and adherence in high-risk medical settings: nurses’ role as information providers in allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing, 20(2), 8-12. [More Information]
Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Jordens, C. (2015). Rules of engagement: Journalists' attitudes to industry influence in health news reporting. Journalism, 16(5), 596-614. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Jordens, C. (2015). Views of health journalists, industry employees and news consumers about disclosure and regulation of industry-journalist relationships: An empirical ethical study. Journal of Medical Ethics, 41(3), 252-257. [More Information]
Jenkins, M., Ford, J., Todd, A., Forsyth, R., Morris, J., Roberts, C. (2015). Women's views about maternity care: How do women conceptualise the process of continuity? Midwifery, 31(1), 25-30. [More Information]
Morrell, B., Lipworth, W., Forsyth, R., Jordens, C., Kerridge, I. (2014). Power and Control in Interactions Between Journalists and Health-Related Industries: The View From Industry. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 11(2), 233-244. [More Information]
Jordens, C., Montgomery, K., Forsyth, R. (2013). Trouble in the gap: a bioethical and sociological analysis of informed consent for high-risk medical procedures. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 10(1), 67-77. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Morrell, B., Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Jordens, C., Chapman, S. (2012). Health Journalists' Perceptions of Their Professional Roles and Responsibilities for Ensuring the Veracity of Reports of Health Research. Journal of Mass Media Ethics: exploring questions of media morality, 27(2), 130-141. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Morrell, B., Bonfiglioli, C., Forsyth, R. (2012). Medicine, the media and political interests. Journal of Medical Ethics, 38(12), 768-770. [More Information]
Chapman, S., Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Kerridge, I., Stewart, C. (2012). Policies and practices on competing interests of academic staff in Australian universities. Medical Journal of Australia, 196(7), 452-456. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Sweet, M., Jordens, C., Bonfiglioli, C., Forsyth, R. (2012). Widening the debate about conflict of interest: addressing relationships between journalists and the pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Medical Ethics, 38(8), 492-495. [More Information]
Hirst, J., Tran, T., Do, M., Forsyth, R., Morris, J., Jeffery, H. (2012). Women with gestational diabetes in Vietnam: a qualitative study to determine attitudes and health behaviours. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12, 1-10. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Scanlan, C., Carter, S., Jordens, C., Kerridge, I. (2011). Decision Making in a Crowded Room: the Relational Significance of Social Roles in Decisions to Proceed with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Qualitative Health Research, 21(9), 1260-1272. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Forsyth, R., Kerridge, I. (2011). Tissue donation to biobanks: a review of sociological studies. Sociology of Health & Illness, 33(5), 792-811. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Maddock, C., Iedema, R., Lassere, M. (2010). Patient perceptions of carrying their own health information: approaches towards responsibility and playing an active role in their own health - implications for a patient-held health file. Health Expectations, 13(4), 416-426. [More Information]
Forsyth, R. (2009). Distance versus dialogue: modes of engagement of two professional groups participating in a hospital-based video ethnographic study. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(3), 276-289.
Forsyth, R. (2009). Distance versus dialogue: Modes of engagement of two professional groups participating in a hospital-based video ethnographic study. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(3), 276-289. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Carroll, K., Reitano, P. (2009). Illuminating everyday realities: the significance of video methods for social science and health research. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3, 214-217.
Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, M., Travaglia, J., Iedema, R., Mallock, N., Long, D., Nugus, P., Forsyth, R., Jorm, C., Pawsey, M. (2007). Are health systems changing in support of patient safety?: A multi-methods evaluation of education, attitudes and practice. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 20(7), 585-601. [More Information]
Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Georgiou, A., Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, J. (2007). Video Research in Health: Visibilising the Effects of Computerising Clinical Care. Qualitative Research Journal, 6(2), 15-30. [More Information]
Georgiou, A., Westbrook, J., Braithwaite, J., Iedema, R., Ray, S., Forsyth, R., Dimos, A., Germanos, T. (2007). When requests become orders--a formative investigation into the impact of a computerized physician order entry system on a pathology laboratory service. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 76(8), 583-591. [More Information]
Riley, R., Forsyth, R., Manias, E., Iedema, R. (2007). Whiteboards: Mediating professional tensions in clinical practice. Communication and Medicine, 4(2), 165-175. [More Information]
Long, D., Forsyth, R., Iedema, R., Carroll, K. (2006). The (im)possibilities of clinical democracy. Health Sociology Review, 15(5), 506-519.
Iedema, R., Long, D., Forsyth, R., Lee, B. (2006). Visibilising Clinical Work: Video Ethnography in the Contemporary Hospital. Health Sociology Review, 15(2), 156-168.
Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, M., Iedema, R., Mallock, N., Forsyth, R., Zhang, K. (2005). A tale of two hospitals: Assessing cultural landscapes and compositions. Social Science and Medicine, 60(5), 1149-1162. [More Information]

show 33 more

Conferences

Forsyth, R., Mooney-Somers, J., Carter, S. (2011). The challenges of adapting a face-o-face intensive qualitative research methodology course for online delivery to graduate level public health students. Annual Conference of the Australian Sociological Association 2011: Local Lives/Global Networks (TASA 2011), Newcastle, Australia: University of Newcastle.
Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Long, D., Carroll, K., Delaney, G., Jacobs, S., Barton, M., Braithwaite, A., Westbrook, J., Lee, B., Kerridge, I. (2005). You have to see it to believe it: Video as a tool for facilitating reflexive health care practice. Communication, Medicine and Ethics Conference, Sydney.
Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Delaney, G., Jacobs, S., Westbrook, J., Braithwaite, A., Barton, M. (2004). Video ethnography as a methodology for studying the technologization of practice. 11th World Congress on Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Nethderlands: IOS Press.

Research Reports

Jeon, Y., Forsyth, R. (2016). Quality Domains for the Development of a Consumer Experience Report on Quality of Residential Aged Care, (pp. 1 - 34). Canberra, Australia: Australian Government Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. [More Information]

By Year

Expand all

2025

Peralta, L., Forsyth, R., Lapi, N., Amon, K., Metsan, P., Wattelez, G., Chen, J., Galy, O., Caillaud, C. (2025). Health literacy of adolescents’ responses to a workshop focusing on food, nutrition, climate change and digital technology solutions in Oceania: a multi-site pilot study in Vanuatu. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 648. [More Information]

2024

Forsyth, R., Prasad, T. (2024). Cosmetic Medical Tourists' Use of Online Support Communities: Sharing Information, Reciprocity, and Enduring Relationships. Qualitative Health Research, , 10497323231219939-10497323231219939. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Campbell, A. (2024). Health Professionals’ Use of Online Communities for Interprofessional Peer Education. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 310, 1246-1250. [More Information]
Newton, N., Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Forsyth, R., Tariq, A., Baysari, M. (2024). How Are Clinicians' Acceptance and Use of Clinical Decision Support Systems Evaluated Over Time? A Systematic Review. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 310, 259-263. [More Information]
Wattelez, G., Amon, K., Forsyth, R., Frayon, S., Nedjar-Guerre, A., Caillaud, C., Galy, O. (2024). Self-reported and accelerometry measures of sleep components in adolescents living in Pacific Island countries and territories: Exploring the role of sociocultural background. Child: Care, Health and Development, 50(3), e13272. [More Information]

show 1 more

2023

Alkhaibari, R., Smith-Merry, J., Forsyth, R. (2023). "I am not just a place for implementation. I should be a partner": a qualitative study of patient-centered care from the perspective of diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 1412-1412. [More Information]
Newton, N., Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Forsyth, R., Tariq, A., Baysari, M. (2023). Does Involving Clinicians in Decision Support Development Facilitate System Use Over Time? A Systematic Review. In Bamgboje-Ayodele, A., Prgomet, M., Kuziemsky, C.E., Elkin, P., Nøhr, C. (Eds.), Context Sensitive Health Informatics and the Pandemic Boost, (pp. 11-15). Australia: IOS Press. [More Information]
Van Der Schyff, E., Forsyth, R., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Campbell, A. (2023). Increasing Access to Mental Health Services: Videogame Players’ Perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6). [More Information]
Forsyth, R. (2023). Medical Tourism. In Alphia L Possamai-Inesedy, Peta Cook (Eds.), The sociology of health & illness. Critical perspectives for 21st century Australia, (pp. 160-176). Australia: Pearson.
Van Der Schyff, E., Amon, K., Ridout, B., Forsyth, R., Campbell, A. (2023). Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Male Video Game Players: An Online Survey. CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 26(9), 717-723. [More Information]
Alkhaibari, R., Smith-Merry, J., Forsyth, R., Raymundo, G. (2023). Patient-centered care in the Middle East and North African region: a systematic literature review. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 135-1-135-19. [More Information]

show 3 more

2022

Pebdani, R., Leon, J., Won, D., deLeon, R., Dy, C., Forsyth, R., Keslacy, S. (2022). It Helps Me With Everything": A Qualitative Study of the Importance of Exercise for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.". Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 28(2), 176-184. [More Information]
Amon, K., Ridout, B., Forsyth, R., Campbell, A. (2022). Online Group Counseling for Young People Through a Customized Social Networking Platform: Phase 2 of Kids Helpline Circles. CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 25(9), 580-588. [More Information]

2020

Asimakopoulou, K., Hoorens, V., Speed, E., Coulson, N., Antoniszczak, D., Collyer, F., Deschrijver, E., Dubbin, L., Faulks, D., Forsyth, R., et al (2020). Comparative optimism about infection and recovery from COVID-19; Implications for adherence with lockdown advice. Health Expectations, 23(6), 1502-1511. [More Information]

2019

Forsyth, R., Scanlan, C., Kerridge, I. (2019). Optimising consent and adherence in high-risk medical settings: nurses’ role as information providers in allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing, 20(2), 8-12. [More Information]

2016

Jeon, Y., Forsyth, R. (2016). Quality Domains for the Development of a Consumer Experience Report on Quality of Residential Aged Care, (pp. 1 - 34). Canberra, Australia: Australian Government Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. [More Information]

2015

Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Jordens, C. (2015). Rules of engagement: Journalists' attitudes to industry influence in health news reporting. Journalism, 16(5), 596-614. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Jordens, C. (2015). Views of health journalists, industry employees and news consumers about disclosure and regulation of industry-journalist relationships: An empirical ethical study. Journal of Medical Ethics, 41(3), 252-257. [More Information]
Jenkins, M., Ford, J., Todd, A., Forsyth, R., Morris, J., Roberts, C. (2015). Women's views about maternity care: How do women conceptualise the process of continuity? Midwifery, 31(1), 25-30. [More Information]

2014

Morrell, B., Lipworth, W., Forsyth, R., Jordens, C., Kerridge, I. (2014). Power and Control in Interactions Between Journalists and Health-Related Industries: The View From Industry. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 11(2), 233-244. [More Information]

2013

Jordens, C., Montgomery, K., Forsyth, R. (2013). Trouble in the gap: a bioethical and sociological analysis of informed consent for high-risk medical procedures. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 10(1), 67-77. [More Information]

2012

Forsyth, R., Morrell, B., Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Jordens, C., Chapman, S. (2012). Health Journalists' Perceptions of Their Professional Roles and Responsibilities for Ensuring the Veracity of Reports of Health Research. Journal of Mass Media Ethics: exploring questions of media morality, 27(2), 130-141. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Morrell, B., Bonfiglioli, C., Forsyth, R. (2012). Medicine, the media and political interests. Journal of Medical Ethics, 38(12), 768-770. [More Information]
Chapman, S., Morrell, B., Forsyth, R., Kerridge, I., Stewart, C. (2012). Policies and practices on competing interests of academic staff in Australian universities. Medical Journal of Australia, 196(7), 452-456. [More Information]
Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I., Sweet, M., Jordens, C., Bonfiglioli, C., Forsyth, R. (2012). Widening the debate about conflict of interest: addressing relationships between journalists and the pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Medical Ethics, 38(8), 492-495. [More Information]
Hirst, J., Tran, T., Do, M., Forsyth, R., Morris, J., Jeffery, H. (2012). Women with gestational diabetes in Vietnam: a qualitative study to determine attitudes and health behaviours. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12, 1-10. [More Information]

show 2 more

2011

Forsyth, R., Scanlan, C., Carter, S., Jordens, C., Kerridge, I. (2011). Decision Making in a Crowded Room: the Relational Significance of Social Roles in Decisions to Proceed with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Qualitative Health Research, 21(9), 1260-1272. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Mooney-Somers, J., Carter, S. (2011). The challenges of adapting a face-o-face intensive qualitative research methodology course for online delivery to graduate level public health students. Annual Conference of the Australian Sociological Association 2011: Local Lives/Global Networks (TASA 2011), Newcastle, Australia: University of Newcastle.
Lipworth, W., Forsyth, R., Kerridge, I. (2011). Tissue donation to biobanks: a review of sociological studies. Sociology of Health & Illness, 33(5), 792-811. [More Information]

2010

Forsyth, R., Maddock, C., Iedema, R., Lassere, M. (2010). Patient perceptions of carrying their own health information: approaches towards responsibility and playing an active role in their own health - implications for a patient-held health file. Health Expectations, 13(4), 416-426. [More Information]

2009

Forsyth, R. (2009). Distance versus dialogue: modes of engagement of two professional groups participating in a hospital-based video ethnographic study. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(3), 276-289.
Forsyth, R. (2009). Distance versus dialogue: Modes of engagement of two professional groups participating in a hospital-based video ethnographic study. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(3), 276-289. [More Information]
Forsyth, R., Carroll, K., Reitano, P. (2009). Illuminating everyday realities: the significance of video methods for social science and health research. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3, 214-217.

2007

Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, M., Travaglia, J., Iedema, R., Mallock, N., Long, D., Nugus, P., Forsyth, R., Jorm, C., Pawsey, M. (2007). Are health systems changing in support of patient safety?: A multi-methods evaluation of education, attitudes and practice. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 20(7), 585-601. [More Information]
Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Georgiou, A., Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, J. (2007). Video Research in Health: Visibilising the Effects of Computerising Clinical Care. Qualitative Research Journal, 6(2), 15-30. [More Information]
Georgiou, A., Westbrook, J., Braithwaite, J., Iedema, R., Ray, S., Forsyth, R., Dimos, A., Germanos, T. (2007). When requests become orders--a formative investigation into the impact of a computerized physician order entry system on a pathology laboratory service. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 76(8), 583-591. [More Information]
Riley, R., Forsyth, R., Manias, E., Iedema, R. (2007). Whiteboards: Mediating professional tensions in clinical practice. Communication and Medicine, 4(2), 165-175. [More Information]

show 1 more

2006

Long, D., Forsyth, R., Iedema, R., Carroll, K. (2006). The (im)possibilities of clinical democracy. Health Sociology Review, 15(5), 506-519.
Iedema, R., Long, D., Forsyth, R., Lee, B. (2006). Visibilising Clinical Work: Video Ethnography in the Contemporary Hospital. Health Sociology Review, 15(2), 156-168.

2005

Braithwaite, J., Westbrook, M., Iedema, R., Mallock, N., Forsyth, R., Zhang, K. (2005). A tale of two hospitals: Assessing cultural landscapes and compositions. Social Science and Medicine, 60(5), 1149-1162. [More Information]
Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Long, D., Carroll, K., Delaney, G., Jacobs, S., Barton, M., Braithwaite, A., Westbrook, J., Lee, B., Kerridge, I. (2005). You have to see it to believe it: Video as a tool for facilitating reflexive health care practice. Communication, Medicine and Ethics Conference, Sydney.

2004

Iedema, R., Forsyth, R., Delaney, G., Jacobs, S., Westbrook, J., Braithwaite, A., Barton, M. (2004). Video ethnography as a methodology for studying the technologization of practice. 11th World Congress on Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Nethderlands: IOS Press.

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Dr Rowena Forsyth

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