Abstract
Objective: The aim of this review was to establish type(s) and possible cause(s)
of medicine-related problems (MRPs) experienced by ethnic minorities in the UK
and to identify recommendations to support these patients in the effective use of
medicines.
Methods: A systematic search of studies related to problems with medicine use
experienced by ethnic minorities in theUKwas performed using the following databases:
PubMed, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstract and Scopus from
1990 to 2011. A hand search for relevant citations and key journals was also
performed.
Key findings: Fifteen studies were found. The MRPs identified across studies
included lack of information, problems with not taking medicines as advised,
concern of dependency or side effects, lack of regular monitoring and review, risk of adverse drug reactions, adverse events and problems in accessing healthcare services.
Many problems are common in other groups, however, studies examining possible explanatory factors discussed how the cultural and religious beliefs, previous experiences, different expectations, language and communication barriers, lack of knowledge of the healthcare services and underestimating patients’ desire for information may contribute to the problems. Some of the recommendations were made based on the problems that were found, but these have not been evaluated.
Conclusions: Little evidence is known of what influences MRPs among ethnic
minorities, despite the increased diversification of populations in countries
throughout the world. To support their entire populations in the use of medicines,
we have to ensure that we understand their different perspectives and needs regarding the effective use of medicines.
of medicine-related problems (MRPs) experienced by ethnic minorities in the UK
and to identify recommendations to support these patients in the effective use of
medicines.
Methods: A systematic search of studies related to problems with medicine use
experienced by ethnic minorities in theUKwas performed using the following databases:
PubMed, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstract and Scopus from
1990 to 2011. A hand search for relevant citations and key journals was also
performed.
Key findings: Fifteen studies were found. The MRPs identified across studies
included lack of information, problems with not taking medicines as advised,
concern of dependency or side effects, lack of regular monitoring and review, risk of adverse drug reactions, adverse events and problems in accessing healthcare services.
Many problems are common in other groups, however, studies examining possible explanatory factors discussed how the cultural and religious beliefs, previous experiences, different expectations, language and communication barriers, lack of knowledge of the healthcare services and underestimating patients’ desire for information may contribute to the problems. Some of the recommendations were made based on the problems that were found, but these have not been evaluated.
Conclusions: Little evidence is known of what influences MRPs among ethnic
minorities, despite the increased diversification of populations in countries
throughout the world. To support their entire populations in the use of medicines,
we have to ensure that we understand their different perspectives and needs regarding the effective use of medicines.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 277-287 |
| Journal | International Journal of Pharmacy Practice (IJPP) |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 13 Nov 2012 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2013 |