Speakers - 2026

Title: The main health equity challenges in antenatal care for black and South Asian women, and ways solutions can be enhanced

Abstract

Health inequity remains a significant concern in maternal healthcare services across the United Kingdom. Recent findings from the MBRRACE-UK report indicate that maternal and perinatal mortality rates are notably higher amongst Black and South Asian women. Consequently, both national and local interventions have been initiated.

A narrative literature review was performed to establish a foundational understanding of the diverse issues present within maternal services. This further integrated management principles to analyse our findings and construct a reliable and pertinent framework for aligning our recommendations. Given the nature of this project, a grey literature review was also conducted to ascertain the current guidelines and principles in effect within the United Kingdom.

A survey was then conducted amongst 48 obstetricians, midwives and other HCPs to identify current issues within the service that impact both them and their patients. An inductive thematic analysis of the results revealed key themes, such as a lack of culturally sensitive training, challenges in communicating with patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a significant level of mistrust from patients regarding the service.

Finally, we conducted semi-structured interviews with HCPs to focus on the interventions currently in place that are aimed at addressing these issues. We analysed the results with the Gioia Methodology to pinpoint key solutions that can be effectively implemented using essential management framework theories and decision-making principles. Our recommendations include culturally competency 9 training, a translator volunteering scheme, a case-loading model of care, and community engagement using leaflets.