Can we implement ethnic monitoring in primary health care and use the data? A feasibility study and staff attitudes in North East England

Abstract

The concept of ethnic monitoring has evolved over time as a consequence of growing concern around variations in health status and health service utilisation between the different ethnic groups in Britain. Unfortunately, the 1990 proposal of the Department of Health that patients’ ethnicity be stated in GP referral letters from 1992 was not implemented. Ethnic monitoring in hospitals was introduced from April 1995 but has not been satisfactorily achieved. This study tested the feasibility of collecting data on patients’ ethnicity in general practice and its inclusion in GP referral letters. It also assessed the acceptability of ethnic monitoring in primary care.