Abstract

Background. Existing evidence suggests that women’s preferences for childbirth interventions have largely been overlookeddespite initiatives aimed at promoting evidence-based women-centred maternity care. Choice experiments provide a researchmethodology to explore such preferences.Aim. To perform a review of choice experiment methodology and explore its use within the context of maternity care.Method. Choice experiment methodology is analytically described and some key methodological issues are considered. Keystages in the design and analysis of choice experiments are outlined. Strengths and limitations of choice experiments arediscussed and their potential future use in midwifery research explored.Implications. Midwives are challenged to embrace the use of choice experiments in exploring women’s preferences formaternity care interventions.Key words: Choice experiments, women’s preferences, maternity care, midwifery research