Development of guidelines to facilitate improved support of South Asian carers by primary health care teams

Background-Evidence based guidelines are regarded as an appropriate basis f or providing effective health care, but few guidelines incorporate the view s of users such as carers. Aim-To develop guidelines to assist primary health care teams (PHCTs) in th eir work with carers within South Asian communities. Methods-The guidelines were drawn up by a development group consisting of m embers of teams in areas with South Asian communities (Leicester and Bradfo rd). The teams were invited to make their recommendations based on a system atic review of literature on minority ethnic carers and the findings of a s tudy of the needs and experiences of local South Asian carers. A grading sy stem was devised to enable the teams and a group of expert peer reviewers t o assess the quality of evidence in support of each recommendation. Results-The teams agreed seven recommendations, graded according to availab le evidence and strength of opinion. External peer review supported the PHC Ts' interpretation of evidence and their recommendations. The recommendatio ns included consideration of communication and information for carers, coor dination of care within teams, and recognition by team members of the roles of carers and their cultural and religious beliefs. Conclusion-There are particular steps that PHCTs can take to improve their support of South Asian carers. It is possible to develop guidelines that ta ke users' views into account and incorporate evidence from qualitative stud ies.