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An evaluation of practice leaflets provided by general dental practitioners working in multi-racial areas
1West Midlands Regional Health Authority, Southern Birmingham Community Health NHS Trust, West Heath, Birmingham.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information leaflets produced by NHS dental practices based in high density multi-racial areas within the city of Birmingham.
Method:
All of the 41 general dental practices based in ten Birmingham electoral wards with high concentrations of ethnic minorities were approached for a copy of their practice leaflet. Each leaflet was assessed in terms of: 1. overall presentation, 2. general information, and 3. information specifically relevant to the ethnic minorities.
Results:
Seventy-eight per cent (32) of practices currently produce information leaflets. Compliance with specific NHS regulations ranged from 3% to 97%; 41% (13) of leaflets had one or more sections written in a minority language. Although ethnic minority languages were spoken by staff in three-quarters of the practices, less than one third specified this. Only one leaflet contained information on arrangements for non-English speaking patients.
Conclusion:
Recommendations are made concerning the quality and content of practice leaflets for practices based in high density multi-racial areas.