Correspondence. Ethnic groups and our healthier nation: whither the information base?

We propose that ethnic data collection can be implemented in primary care. This may be the most efficient and effective point for achieving full and comprehensive coverage of the ethnic group data collection. Primary care is usually the first point of contact with the health service, and with the creation of Primary Care Groups (PCGs), collection at this level becomes more relevant and appropriate. The planned connection of every general practice to the NHSnet including the shared electronic patient record also supports implementation in primary care. We are not convinced that the independent contractor status of GPs may constitute a barrier to implementation. If ethnic group data are collected and stored as part of patient registration details, technical limitations to comprehensive collection that may arise given the variations in the extent of computerization may be reduced. We recommend that formal trials of the value of such data collection should now be conducted. If trials had been carried out before implementing hospital-based ethnic monitoring, this system might have succeeded, particularly by convincing staff that time and effort expended on ethnic monitoring is well spent.