[23] Religious influences,[21, 22, 32, 34] high expectations and negative perceptions and attitudes towards healthcare services and healthcare providers have also been identified across Opaganib mouse the studies as a potential cause of MRPs.[15, 20, 23] Lack of knowledge of the healthcare services and how to use them is also a further possible contributing factor for MRPs that has been identified; for example, some ethnic minority patients have no knowledge of the pharmaceutical care role of pharmacists which may lead to lack of regular monitoring and review of their medicines.[15, 20] According

to the literature, underestimating patients’ desire selleck products for information, which may be a consequence of a lack of awareness of the extent of patients’ decision-making regarding the use of their medicines and/or poor appreciation of their experience of MRPs,[36] may well cause MRPs. Some recommendations were made across the studies to support patients in the use of medicines. The recommendations involved providing patient counselling and education programmes about their disease, its management and medicines and the service available,[23, 35] providing an interpreter for ethnic minorities who cannot speak

English, using pictorial flashcards to provide information for illiterate people,[34] providing bilingual link-workers

who explain reasons for regular appointments and provide encouragement and a cultural bridge between healthcare professionals and patients,[34, 35] increasing involvement of ethnic minorities in decisions about healthcare provision and utilisation,[20] involving patients in evidence-informed decision making for safer and more effective disease and medicine managements.[32] Further recommendations included not only improving provider–patients communication by understanding of cultural factors that inform their beliefs and practices but also ensuring Lenvatinib that mechanisms are in place for the effective transfer of information,[35] encouraging pharmacists and patients to work together and share their experiences regarding the use of medicines as well as exchanging information that will support patients achieving optimal outcomes from their medicines,[36] encouraging effective reliable communication between secondary and primary care, surgeries, pharmacies and patients for the continuity of safe and effective therapy,[36] providing enhanced pharmaceutical services in areas of health inequalities and to such minority groups.[15] This review brings together the information in the current literature regarding medicine use and MRPs experienced by ethnic minority groups in the UK.