“We couldn’t talk to her”: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of UK midwives when navigating women’s care without language
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare
ISSN: 2056-4902
Article publication date: 22 March 2021
Issue publication date: 25 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Women with little-to-no English continue to have poor birth outcomes and low service user satisfaction. When language support services are used it enhances the relationship between the midwife and the woman, improves outcomes and ensures safer practice. However, this study has shown a reluctance to use professional interpreter services by midwives. This study aims to understand the experiences of midwives using language support services.
Design/methodology/approach
A maximum variation purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit midwives (N = 12) to a qualitative, semi-structured interview study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Four themes were generated from the data analysis with a central organising concept of “Navigating Care Without Language”. These themes were: “Continuity as Key”, “Facilitating Tools”, “Networks of Support” and “Innovative Planning”. Each of these themes had between three and four sub-themes. It was found midwives are keen to support women with language barriers. However, support can be difficult due to the unavailability of equipment and resources; lack of continuity (of interpreter and midwife); inability to plan for the acute care of women who require interpreter services; and the system not being accessible enough to women who require language support services, thus causing them to fall through the net.
Originality/value
Continuity of carer appears to be a protective factor due to the flexibility, relationship and continuum of support. This study will aid the development of education for undergraduate, post-graduate and practising midwives. It will also inform policymakers working to improve the service offered to women who speak little-to-no English.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Sergio A. Silverio (King’s College London) is supported by the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South London [NIHR ARC South London] at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily hose of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Funding: Laura Bridle (Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust) was awarded a grant from The Nightingale Fund Charity in order to complete this work.
Citation
Bridle, L., Bassett, S. and Silverio, S.A. (2021), "“We couldn’t talk to her”: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of UK midwives when navigating women’s care without language", International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 359-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-10-2020-0089
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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