Recommendations

Understanding the health experiences, needs and beliefs in communities in Bradford

Recommendations

• There should be an awareness of the belief systems of South Asian patients and a better understanding of the types of traditional South Asian treatments in common use.

• An information resource pack should be distributed at the time of diagnosis containing audio and videotapes, clearly written information on all aspects of epilepsy including treatment and side effects, and outlining further sources of support, information and advice.

• Information on epilepsy should take into account different South Asian languages, religions, cultures and lifestyles.

• Interpreters with more clinical knowledge of epilepsy should be present at consultations.

• Both people with epilepsy and health professionals identified the need for a South Asian liaison worker who can speak the language and has a deeper understanding of the culture.

• Support groups for people with epilepsy and their carers should be set up taking into account language, gender, location and childcare facilities.

• Community education is needed to help de-stigmatise epilepsy within South Asian populations.

• Information regarding employment rights legislated in the Disability Discrimination Act should be made available in South Asian languages.

• Information for health professionals outlining the main alternative South Asian therapies should be made available.

• Establishing an Epilepsy Register would equip local health providers with a valuable tool for monitoring access and equity of services for patients from minority ethnic groups.