Rapid review: Ten ways to improve support for minoritised informal adult carers at local government policy level to redress inequality

Abstract

Objective

To rapidly identify and summarise evidence on key factors that affect access to support for minoritised informal adult carers which could be addressed at the level of local government policy-making.

Study design

Rapid evidence review.

Methods

A rapid umbrella review was undertaken of systematic reviews of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed method studies. Systematic reviews were identified through database searches (Medline, Cochrane, Proquest), key author searching, referrals by experts (n = 2) of key reviews, and citation and reference checking of identified reviews in September–October 2023. Systematic review evidence was supplemented with grey literature identified by practitioners (n = 2) as locally-relevant. Data was extracted directly into a table and findings synthesised narratively by theme.

Results

Many factors were identified as affecting access to support for minoritised unpaid adult carers, including: inattention to socio-cultural diversity; issues of representation, racism and discrimination; and socio-economic inequality. Factors were themed around ten areas for local action, including: the importance of recognising intersectional disadvantage and diversity; ensuring support is socio-culturally appropriate; paying attention to gendered hierarchies in service design; identifying and ‘designing out’ racism and discrimination; addressing exclusions that minoritised carers with additional communication needs face; mitigating socio-economic inequality; and taking a ‘whole system’ approach that improves integration, routine data collection and support service evaluation.

Conclusions

We identified ten potential ways in which inequalities in support for minoritised unpaid adult carers could be addressed locally. Although the existing evidence base is limited, these ten areas could usefully be targeted for further investigation in research and within local policy development.