Editor—Mason et al highlight the under-representation of South Asian people in some randomised clinical trials.1 This issue can be addressed by working in partnership with the local primary care trust. In the Heart of Birmingham teaching primary care trust, 58.5% of the population is from ethnic minority groups, compared with a national average of 12.5%2; 40.5% of the population belongs to the South Asian community.
This is the setting for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of primary care mental health workers, a service introduced as part of the NHS Plan.3 Mental health is an area of concern for minority communities, which report higher levels of psychological distress and a lack of social support—a population that may benefit from the introduction of the primary care mental health workers.4,5
The primary care trust provided funding for translators to help with data collection. Each practice was assigned translators with relevant language skills. Translators were trained to gain informed consent and administer questionnaires. The cost of translators is currently £33 per participant.
Eighty seven patients have been recruited so far. Sixty (69%) are from ethnic minority groups, and 40 (46%) are South Asian, reflecting the ethnic representation in the primary care trust. Sixteen patients required a translator as they spoke insufficient English to participate unaided. Twenty one patients from all ethnic groups required aid because of literacy problems; 46% of the Pakistani participants recruited to date required translators.
Our preliminary findings show that working in partnership with a motivated primary care trust can increase trial participation rates for ethnic minority groups.
Competing interests: None declared.
References
- 1.Mason S, Hussain-Gambles M, Leese B, Atkin K, Brown J, et al. Representation of South Asian people in randomised clinical trials: analysis of trials' data. BMJ 2003;326: 1244-5. (7 June.) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.http://www.birminghameconomy.org.uk/access/wards.htm (accessed 30 May 2003).
- 3.National Institute for Mental Health in England. Inside outside: improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England. London: Department of Health, 2003.
- 4.Department of Health. The NHS plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform. London: Department of Health, 2000.
- 5.Erens B, Primatesta P, Prior G, eds. Health survey for England: the health of minority ethnic groups '99. Vol 1. Findings. London: Stationery Office, 2001.