Electronic databases were searched

and duplicate articles were removed. All articles were reviewed manually by title, abstract and/or full text for relevance. The reference lists of retrieved articles and relevant review articles were manually examined for further applicable studies. The key journals were also manually screened for further relevant articles. Full-text manuscripts were retrieved either electronically or as hard copy for assessment. Information was extracted into a pro forma which included: primary author name and date of publication, study design and study duration, participants’ age, setting, sample, type(s) and possible cause(s) of MRPs, intervention or recommendations to address the problems or to support ethnic minorities PF-02341066 in vitro in the use of medicines. Studies of MRPs experienced by ethnic minority patients in the UK are shown in Table 2. Communication and language barriers;

problems with interpretation provided; problems with non-prescription medicine; limited knowledge of the medical and healthcare system; lack of belief in the treatment they received. Lip (2002)[21] Some patients had limited knowledge of atrial fibrillation as well as its consequences and therapy; problems with not taking medicines as advised. Ethnic, cultural and religious differences; communication and language barriers; poor amount of counselling and information given to patients by healthcare professionals. Horne VX-809 in vitro (2004)[33] High risk of not taking medicines as advised. Students of South Asian Selleckchem Decitabine origin had higher General Harm score

than those of European origin (i.e. they perceived medicines as being intrinsically harmful, addictive substances that should be avoided (P < 0.001) and they were significantly (P < 0.001) less likely to endorse the benefits of modern medication). Cultural beliefs; current and previous experience of taking medication. Indo-Asians and Afro-Caribbeans were less aware of CHF as well as its consequences and therapy; problems with not taking medicines as advised. Ethnic, cultural and religious differences; communication and language barriers; poor amount of counselling and information given to patients. South Asians were less aware of diabetes as well as its consequences; problems with not taking medicines as advised and missing clinical appointments. Cultural and religious influences; language and communication barriers; problems with interpretation provided. Using pictorial flashcards to provide information for illiterate people instead of providing written information in a native language; providing bilingual link-workers.