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Access to mental health care in an inner-city health district. II: Association with demographic factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

M. J. Commander ,
S. P. Sashi Dharan ,
S. M. Odell  and
P. G. Surtees
M. J. Commander*
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham and Northern Birmingham Mental Health Trust, Erdington, Birmingham
S. P. Sashi Dharan
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
S. M. Odell
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham and Northern Birmingham Mental Health Trust
P. G. Surtees
Affiliation:
MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, and Addenbrookes NHS Trust, Cambridge
*
Dr M. J. Commander, Academic Unit, Northern Birmingham Mental HealthTrust, Trust Headquarters, 71 Fentham Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6AL
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Abstract

Background

In addition to clinical and service factors, planners need to take account of the influence of demographic variables, especially ethnicity, on access to mental health care.

Method

Estimated prevalence rates were calculated from epidemiological surveys undertaken in three settings: psychiatric services, primary care and the general population. Associations between demographic factors and service use were examined using the pathways to care model.

Results

Considerable differences in access to mental health care were found, particularly according to ethnicity. The major impediment to Asians accessing care occurred at the interface between primary and secondary care, whereas the most striking feature for Blacks was the poor level of case recognition by GPs.

Conclusions

In order to improve the uptake of mental health care, new initiatives should target those who are most likely to be unwell but least likely to access services. Purchasers and providers need to address differential patterns of use when developing and reviewing services.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 4 , April 1997 , pp. 317 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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