| Learning Objective #1: Describe how service users and providers are presently involved in developing local information services for black and ethnic minorities | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Delineate the process of conducting a needs assessment |
This paper describes research findings that indicate how service users and providers are involved in developing local information services for black and ethnic minorities. It reports the first component (needs assessment) of a three-year study that addresses the information needs of people with cancer from black and ethnic minority people living in the London Borough of Newham. 61% of the Borough’s population are from black and ethnic minority communities, with 120+ languages spoken (Cox et al, 2002). There is accumulated evidence of inequity of access to health services for people in situations of poverty, social exclusion and cultural difference (Cox et al, 2002; NHSE 2002) and considerable unmet needs for cancer information and support for these disadvantaged groups (Leydon et al, 2000; NHS, 2000)
A key finding of the study is the value placed on complementary insights into the complexity of need experienced by black and ethnic minority individuals and populations. Consequently focus group discussions with patients and carers from the predominant minority ethnic groups in Newham are being conducted to identify from their experiences how their information and support needs can best be met. Findings, to date, confirm that ethnic minority communities require additional support to access health care, and to manage their cancer illness more effectively. It highlights the potential for cancer nurses to develop the focus of their work across disciplinary and agency boundaries.
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