Preventative health screening community events, a mechanism to target minority ethnic populations in improving primary care utilisation to improve health outcomes

Background Preventative medicine has become a central focus in primary care provision, with greater emphasis on education and access to health care screening. The Department of Health reports existing health inequalities and inequalities in access within ethnic minority groups. Studies assessing the value of community engagement in primary care have reported variable outcomes in term of subsequent service utilisation.

Aim To consider the benefit of community-based health screening checks to improve access and health outcomes in minority ethnic groups.

Method An open community health screening event (n = 43), to allow targeted screening within an ethnic minority population. Screening included BP, BMI, BM and cholesterol. Results were interpreted by a healthcare professional and counselling was provided regarding relevant risk factors. Post-event feedback was gathered to collate participant opinion and views.

Results Seventy-nine per cent of participants were from ethnic minority backgrounds: 64% were overweight or obese and 53% of participants were referred to primary care for urgent review following abnormal findings. All those referred would not have accessed healthcare without the event referral. All (100%) participants believed it improved health education and access to health care.

Conclusion This study clearly demonstrates the value of targeted community-led screening and education events in public health promotion. There was a significant benefit in providing community-based screening. There is a need for a longitudinal analysis to determine the impact on health outcomes and long-term access to healthcare provision.