Authors' objectives:

These reviews were commissioned on behalf of the Research and Development Directorate of the NHS Executive West Midlands, in their capacity as the authority with the lead responsibility for the NHS R&D initiative on 'Ethnic Health'. The aim is to provide research based information and recommendations that can be implemented by the NHS as a whole. The three areas of focus are cardiovascular disease, mental health, and haemoglobinopathies.

Authors' recommendations: Despite the considerable research activity in the area of ethnicity and health, purchasers and providers in health care lack clear guidance on health care needs and service organisation. The literature suggests that although cultural, genetic and social factors are important in certain diseases, access to appropriate health services can appreciably relieve this burden of disease. However, Britain's ethnic minority populations are to be found principally in the poorer regions, and inner cities, where health services are least well developed. They may also be among the least able to take advantage of the existing services because of a variety of barriers to access, ranging from language and culture, to prejudiced views of service purchasers and providers, and discriminatory institutional practices.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/CRD_Reports/crdreport5.pdf

Year Published: 1996

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination