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Why Collect and Use Race/Ethnicity Data? A Qualitative Case Study on the Perspectives of Mental Health Providers and Patients During COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Nancy Clark

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada)

  • Cindy Quan

    (British Columbia Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC V5M 4T5, Canada)

  • Heba Elgharbawy

    (Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada)

  • Anita David

    (BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Vancouver, BC V6J 3M8, Canada)

  • Michael E. Li

    (Data & Analytics, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
    Institute of Health Policy and Management Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada)

  • Christopher Mah

    (Data & Analytics, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

  • Jill K. Murphy

    (Interdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada)

  • Catherine L. Costigan

    (Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada)

  • Soma Ganesan

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada)

  • Jaswant Guzder

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
    Departments of Child Psychiatry & Social and Cultural Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada)

Abstract

Context: Calls to collect patients’ race/ethnicity (RE) data as a measure to promote equitable health care among vulnerable patient groups are increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how a public health crisis disproportionately affects racialized patient groups. However, less is known about the uptake of RE data collection in the context of mental health care services. Methodology: A qualitative case study used surveys with mental health patients (n = 47) and providers (n = 12), a retrospective chart review, and a focus group to explore healthcare providers’ and patients’ perspectives on collecting RE data in Canada. Results: The patient survey data and focus groups show that patients avoid providing identifying information due to perceived stigma and discrimination and a lack of trust. Providers did not feel comfortable asking patients about RE, leading to chart review data where RE information was not systematically collected. Conclusions: The uptake and implementation of RE data collection in mental health care contexts require increased training and support, systematic implementation, and further evaluation and measurement of how the collection of RE data will be used to mitigate systemic racism and improve mental health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Nancy Clark & Cindy Quan & Heba Elgharbawy & Anita David & Michael E. Li & Christopher Mah & Jill K. Murphy & Catherine L. Costigan & Soma Ganesan & Jaswant Guzder, 2024. "Why Collect and Use Race/Ethnicity Data? A Qualitative Case Study on the Perspectives of Mental Health Providers and Patients During COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:11:p:1499-:d:1518850
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martin Rotenberg & Andrew Tuck & Kwame McKenzie, 2019. "The role of ethnicity in involuntary psychiatric admission in Toronto, Canada in clients presenting with psychosis," Psychosis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 273-276, July.
    2. Akshaya Neil Arya & Ilene Hyman & Tim Holland & Carolyn Beukeboom & Catherine E. Tong & Rachel Talavlikar & Grace Eagan, 2024. "Medical Interpreting Services for Refugees in Canada: Current State of Practice and Considerations in Promoting this Essential Human Right for All," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-25, May.
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