A service evaluation exploring ethnic monitoring in a Specialist Perinatal Mental Health service: Barriers and improvement opportunities

Abstract

Ethnicity recording within the NHS is vital to gain understanding of local communities and to shape services appropriately. Health inequalities within perinatal mental health services are evident and have been linked to poor outcomes for mothers. Initial ethnic monitoring audits indicated barriers to ethnicity recording. A staff survey to explore staff attitudes to ethnic monitoring was completed within the service. Data was collected using a survey exploring difficulties and attitudes towards ethnicity monitoring. Results revealed themes including time pressures and discomfort with exploring race and culture. Recommendations to improve ethnicity recording and staff confidence included making changes to service procedures, introducing conversations about difference and diversity into teams and developing resources for staff. The service evaluation highlighted the need for clear and regular ethnicity monitoring reporting within the service. It is essential that services understand the different cultural and contextual factors that might influence patient care and that service users receive a high-quality service regardless of their background.