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A systematic review of asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of UK maternity care

McKnight, P.; Goodwin, Laura; Kenyon, S.

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Authors

P. McKnight

Laura Goodwin

S. Kenyon



Abstract

Objective
To explore and synthesise evidence of asylum-seeking women's experiences of maternity care in the UK.

Design
A systematic review and thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed qualitative evidence. Relevant databases were searched from 2000 until 2018. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research appraisal tool.

Setting and participants
UK-based studies which describe asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of maternity care.

Findings
Six studies were included for thematic synthesis. Seven common themes emerged; ‘Communication challenges’, ‘Isolation’, Mental health challenges’, ‘Professional attitudes’, Access to healthcare’, ‘Effects of dispersal’ and ‘Housing challenges’. The review indicated that pregnant asylum seekers face significant barriers to accessing maternity care due to practical issues related to the challenges of their status and lack of knowledge of maternity services, together with professional attitudes.

Key conclusions and implications for practice
Mandatory provision of interpreter services, together with training for health care professionals could address urgent issues faced by pregnant asylum seekers. Further research and population-specific guidelines are needed to improve care for these women.

Citation

McKnight, P., Goodwin, L., & Kenyon, S. (2019). A systematic review of asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of UK maternity care. Midwifery, 77, 16-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.007

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 14, 2019
Online Publication Date Jun 15, 2019
Publication Date Oct 1, 2019
Deposit Date Nov 4, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Midwifery
Print ISSN 0266-6138
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 77
Pages 16-23
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.007
Keywords Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Maternity and Midwifery
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/3847824
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.007

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