Health Inequalities Team at NHS England and NHS Improvement have published a report showing recent analysis of healthcare inequalities at an NHS trust indicates that people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in England wait significantly longer for elective care procedures than those from white backgrounds.
As individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented in much of the research which explores the impact and experience of waiting for elective care, this research therefore makes a valuable contribution to existing literature in this area.
Interviews were conducted with nine participants who were on waiting lists since March 2020 about their experience of waiting.
Key findings
Waiting for elective care often resulted in a deterioration in existing health conditions but also the emergence or worsening of other health issues.
Waiting had an impact on the personal and professional lives of participants, with many reporting feeling uncertain, helpless and concerned about finances.
There were concerns about the communication received from healthcare professionals while waiting – this included a lack of information and information being communicated poorly.
Participants who were able to take an active role in managing their symptoms and conditions tended to have a better experience of waiting.
