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"He or she maybe doesn’t know there is such a thing as a review": a qualitative investigation exploring barriers and facilitators to accessing medication reviews from the perspective of people from ethnic minority communities

Lookup NU author(s): Anna Robinson-BarellaORCiD, Dr Nicki O'Brien, Professor Adam ToddORCiD, Professor Andy HusbandORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Introduction: Regular reviews of medications, including prescription reviews and adherence reviews, are vital to support pharmacological effectiveness and optimise health outcomes for patients. Despite being more likely to report a long-term illness that requires medication when compared to their white counterparts, individuals from ethnic minority communities are less likely to engage with regular medication reviews, with inequalities negatively affecting their access. It is important to understand what barriers may exist that impact the access of those from ethnic minority communities and to identify measures that may act to facilitate improved service accessibility for these groups. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2021, using the following formats as permitted by governmental COVID-19 restrictions: in-person, over the telephone or via video call. Perspectives on service accessibility and any associated barriers and facilitators were discussed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Authority (ref: 21/HRA/1426). Results: Twenty participants from ethnic minority communities were interviewed; these participants included 16 UK citizens, 2 refugees and 2 asylum seekers, and represented a total of 5 different ethnic groups. Three themes were developed from the data regarding the perceived barriers and facilitators affecting access to medication reviews and identified approaches to improve the accessibility of such services for ethnic minority patients. These centred on (1) building knowledge and understanding about medication reviews; (2) delivering medication review services; and (3) appreciating the lived experience of patients. Conclusion: The results of this work have important implications for addressing inequalities that affect ethnic minority communities. Involving patients and practitioners to work collaboratively in co-production approaches could enable better design, implementation and delivery of accessible medication review services that are culturally competent.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Robinson A, Sile L, Govind T, Guraya HK, O'Brien N, Harris V, Pilkington G, Todd A, Husband A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Health Expectations

Year: 2022

Volume: 25

Issue: 4

Pages: 1432-1443

Print publication date: 01/08/2022

Online publication date: 05/04/2022

Acceptance date: 09/03/2022

Date deposited: 09/03/2022

ISSN (print): 1369-6513

ISSN (electronic): 1369-7625

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13482

DOI: 10.1111/hex.13482


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
North East and North Cumbria (NENC)

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