Category: 6.1. Five steps to improve access for patients from black and minority ethnic groups
The practice operates in a multi-ethnic community. But before monitoring of patient ethnicity and preferred language (patient profiling) was introduced, the practice didn’t have the exact figures on patient ethnicity or preferred language. The practice was proactive and patient profiling was put in place well before the DES (Direct Enhanced Service) was introduced.
The practice collects data from more than the 50% of patients required, and now holds ethnicity data for more than 95% of all patients. The data is regularly reviewed and updated on a spreadsheet for analysis.
This information is also part of patient records. Patients’ notes clearly state the person’s preferred language and any associated adjustments required (eg an appointment with a Polish nurse) as well as their preferred communication method.
Introducing patient profiling helped the practice to:
‘It was easy to implement and brings many benefits. It did not cost us anything. On the contrary, we get funding as a part of our DES agreement. Ethnicity can be a key indicator of diabetes risks and of other health problems. If you don’t know a patient’s faith, that they are fasting during Ramadan, then your advice on medication might be affected. ‘Did not attend’ patients missing clinics might simply have misunderstood the invitation, because they don’t understand English.’
Elaine Southern
Practice Manager Elaine Southern
elaine.southern@nlpct.nhs.uk
