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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Briefing Paper 17
The social consequences of sickle cell and thalassaemia: improving the quality of support. February 2010
Sickle cell and thalassaemia are some of the UK's most common genetic inherited conditions, with sickle cell disorder predominant amongst individuals of West/Central African or African Caribbean heritage, whilst thalassaemia is more common amongst people of Mediterranean and Southern European, Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern origin. Although screening for the disorders has improved and is increasingly common, racism still has an impact upon treatment and care for black and minority ethnic people. There is evidence that myths and stereotypes, primarily regarding African and Caribbean patients, influence health practitioners' perceptions of the pain experienced by patients. The paper also highlights the social consequences of the conditions, such as for children in education, arguing that culturally sensitive care, information and support are essential to ensure that carriers are able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
Author(s): Karl Atkin, Elizabeth N. Anionwu
[Briefing Paper]

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Delivering race equality: Focused implementation site project
Zahno, K. and Rhule, C., Central and North West London Foundation Trust, 2010
This report outlines the work done by the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust as one of the Department of Health’s 17 Focused Implementation Sites in its Delivering Race Equality Action Plan. CNWL’s work aimed to reduce the disproportionate admission and detention of black and minority ethnic people in psychiatric inpatient units and prisons. It sought to do this by engaging more actively with black and minority ethnic communities and service-users, to ensure that it provided more culturally competent mental health services.
[Health Resource]

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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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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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