Maternity interpreting in the UK healthcare system: an investigation of access, service provision and video-mediated interpreting with multiple stakeholders

Li, Li (2025) Maternity interpreting in the UK healthcare system: an investigation of access, service provision and video-mediated interpreting with multiple stakeholders. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Poor birth outcomes and maternal health inequalities experienced by speakers of languages other than English (LOTE) in the UK are exacerbated by inadequate interpreting services. While video-mediated interpreting (VMI) has been proposed as a solution for timely access to quality services, previous research has focused primarily on feasibility rather than examining the complex decision-making processes behind interpreting configuration engagement (ICE) in maternity settings.

This transformative mixed-methods study investigated the challenges in accessing and providing maternity interpreting services across eight stakeholder groups: LOTE-speaking women, support workers, maternity care providers, interpreters, bilingual health advocates, language service providers, trainers, and a commissioner. The research examined the implementation of VMI at CSH, an NHS trust in East London, alongside existing in-person and telephone interpreting services, focusing on decision-making processes regarding ICEs in maternity services.

Data were collected in the UK across three research phases from December 2019 to November 2022 through semi-structured interviews (n=47), surveys (n=189), one ethnographic case study at CSH, focus groups (n=24), and Freedom of Information requests. The study employed reflexive thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and main event analysis to identify patterns and themes across the datasets.

The findings reveal that inadequate interpreting services create a vicious circle perpetuated by internal and external factors within the service provision system. While VMI offers potential benefits, its effectiveness is hampered by infrastructural limitations, lack of staff training, and broader systemic challenges in interpreting service provision. The study contributes to VMI research by developing ICEs for optimal engagement of interpreting modalities and providers in maternity settings. It highlights the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable, quality healthcare interpreting in the UK, particularly in maternity care, where effective communication is crucial for maternal well-being.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Media, Language and Communication Studies
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2025 10:36
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2025 10:39
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100913
DOI:

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