Perceptions of Minority Ethnic Groups on Mental Health Electronic Health Records: A Study Protocol

Abstract Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have not been widely implemented in mental health settings, representing a significant gap in digital health care transformation. A reason for underutilisation includes concerns from healthcare professionals regarding the collection and storage of patients’ sensitive information. Language use can positively influence clinician-patient relationships, and stigmatising language in EHRs viewed by patients could undermine trust. This is concerning as using EHRs have benefits which allow patients to feel safe and empowered regarding their care. Moreover, minority ethnic groups have been found to disengage with EHRs and are more likely to access mental health services through crisis pathways. This qualitative study in collaboration with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust comprises two stages to explore minority ethnic perspectives on mental health EHRs and develop recommendations for their implementation. Stage one investigates minority ethnic service user’s perceptions on EHRs and explores mental health professional’s understanding regarding the sharing of EHRs with service users from minority ethnic groups. The workshops in stage two will use an Experience-Based Co-Design approach to produce practical recommendations for EHR implementation in mental health settings. Participants include minority ethnic service users, mental health professionals, stakeholders, and relevant bodies such as mental health organisations and Information Technology experts utilising EHRs. Data will be gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus groups and workshops, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study was approved under the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS ID: 348764) and Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales. Findings will be disseminated via social media, blogs, conferences, journals, academic articles, and community and staff meetings held by the Trust. An executive summary will be shared with participants who consented to receive the results.