Experiences of obstetric anaesthesia care among minoritised ethnic groups in England: a qualitative study
Authors' conclusion
There is a mismatch between women's expectations and healthcare professionals' approaches to communicating and providing obstetric analgesia.
Study context
- Population
- Recently postpartum women and birth partners from minoritised ethnic groups in England, recruited via community organisations34 women · 10 birth partners
- Outcome
- Experiences of obstetric pain relief
Methodological detailsfocus groups, thematic analysis, modified grounded theory, Six face-to-face focus groups
- Focus groups
- Thematic analysis
- Modified grounded theory
- Six face-to-face focus groups
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Understanding of analgesic options varied; many relied more on community guidance than clinician explanations
- Interactions with healthcare professionals sometimes perceived as dismissive or insufficient, particularly in discussions about neuraxial analgesia
- Epidural analgesia frequently viewed negatively (concerns about side effects; for some, perceptions of cultural weakness), although positive experiences also described
- Need identified for clearer, culturally accessible information about pain relief options
Original publication
Experiences of obstetric anaesthesia care among minoritised ethnic groups in England: a qualitative study. Int J Obstet Anesth. Published 18 March 2026. doi:10. 1016/ j. ijoa. 2026. 104921
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →