An evaluation of practice leaflets provided by general dental practitioners working in multi-racial areas.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations are made concerning the quality and content of practice leaflets for practices based in high density multi-racial areas.
Lowe
P A
PA
West Midlands Regional Health Authority, Southern Birmingham Community Health NHS Trust, West Heath, Birmingham.
Bedi
R
R
D001459:Bangladesh / Q000208:ethnology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004739:England; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D007802:Language; D010154:Pakistan / Q000208:ethnology; D010174:Pamphlets; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration*