Why collect and use race/ethnicity data? A qualitative case study on the perspectives of mental health providers and patients during COVID-19
Date
2024
Authors
Clark, Nancy
Quan, Cindy
Elgharbawy, Heba
David, Anita
Li, Michael
Mah, Christopher
Murphy, Jill
Costigan, Catherine L.
Ganesan, Soma
Guzder, Jaswant
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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.
Description
Keywords
case study, COVID-19, cultural safety, disaggregated data, ethnicity, health equity, intersectionality, mental health, race-based data, racism
Citation
Clark, N., Quan, C., Elgharbawy, H., David, A., Li, M., Mah, C., Murphy, J., Costigan, C. L., Ganesan, S., & Guzder, J. (2024). Why collect and use race/ethnicity data? A qualitative case study on the perspectives of mental health providers and patients during COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(11), 1499. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111499