Briefing Paper 18
Effective methods of engaging black and minority ethnic communities within health care settings. March 2010
Evidence shows that poor engagement with black and minority ethnic communities in health care still exists, resulting in unequal access and care. Barriers to effective engagement with black and minority ethnic communities include those of language, communication and culture, as well as a lack of diversity in the health care workforce. A range of methods exists that can be utilised to enhance engagement with black and minority ethnic communities, as shown by the existence of good practice examples from London, Leeds and Bradford.
Author(s): Saima Latif
[Briefing Paper]

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The ‘Twice a Child’ projects: Learning about dementia and related disorders within the black and minority ethnic population of an English city and improving relevant services
Jolley, D. et al, Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 2(4), December 2009
This reports the findings of a study into the obstacles to mental health care for black and minority ethnic elders.  With many elders unable or unwilling to access appropriate services, the studies highlighted both culturally specific and general issues, including fear and stigma of mental disorders within black and minority communities, linguistic barriers and lack of knowledge of dementia compared to the normal features of aging.  The report also provides recommendations for successful promotion of dementia services to black and minority ethnic elders, highlighting in particular the role of culturally competent link nurses.
[Health Resource]

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Reaching Out: Working with black and minority ethnic communities
Fox-Kirk, W., Mencap and Midland Mencap, August 2009
This report examines the experiences of black and minority ethnic families in Birmingham who are affected by learning disability. Gathering evidence through interviews with family carers and BME community organisations, the study highlights the difficulties experienced in accessing services, as well as the awareness and perceptions of Mencap’s work, particularly after the appointment of a BME development worker.
[Health Resource]

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Report on the self reported experience of patients from black and minority ethnic groups
Department of Health and National Statistics, June 2009
This report examines variations in the self-reported views of NHS patients from different ethnic groups.  Using feedback from white respondents as a baseline, the survey examines patient responses to issues such as cleanliness, relationships and communication with doctors and other staff, and information relating to medication.
[Health Resource]

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Briefing Paper 10
Health experiences of Chinese people in the UK. July 2008
Chinese people have a long history in the UK, but have a relatively low take-up rate in health and social care services. Health professionals have little understanding of their conception of health and illness and health needs are sometimes masked by myths and stereotypes or barriers to access. This paper outlines some of these barriers and highlights Chinese people’s diverse approaches to health and illness, advocating more choice and participation in their health and social care.
Author(s): Ruby C.M. Chau
[Briefing Paper]

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Briefing Paper 6
Tackling health inequalities for minority ethnic groups: challenges and opportunities. July 2007
Health inequalities may vary both between ethnic groups and within ethnic groups. This paper considers how health inequalities may reflect inequalities in the distribution of health determinants, such as access to good housing, transport, education and employment opportunities, and considers methods of reducing health inequalities through NHS reform.
Author(s): Gurch Randhawa
[Briefing Paper]

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The Reaching Out Project: Report on preliminary consultations May - July 2005
Gaudion, A., Maternity Alliance and Medact, June 2006
This report gives a summary of ‘Reaching Out’, a pilot project to improve access to maternity services for highly marginalised black and minority ethnic women.  The project targeted pregnant women and families with young infants to discern their healthcare needs, and improve access to support services, benefits and antenatal and postnatal care.
[Health Resource]

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Potential barriers to the use of health services among ethnic minorities: A review
Emmanuel Scheppers, Els van Dongen, Jos Dekker, Jan Geertzen and Joost Dekker. Family Practice 2006; 23: 325–348
This literature review explores the barriers faced by black and minority ethnic patients when using health services, considering issues including issues such as language, the skills of practitioners and the patient's own patient of their illness.
[Health Resource]

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Are we there yet? Identifying the characteristics of social care organisations that successfully promote diversity
Butt, J., Race equality discussion paper 03, Social Care Institute for Excellence, 2006
This discussion paper considers the characteristics of social care organisations that successfully promote diversity, exploring research on the barriers to diversity and how they can be overcome.
[Health Resource]

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