People with disabilities can struggle with receiving good healthcare. Whether it is overall poor health, or having less access to adequate healthcare due to their needs. It is important that all healthcare facilities have accessible buildings, rooms, and equipment for people with disabilities. It is important for healthcare professionals to be well educated on how to properly treat patients with disabilities as it can be different from other patients. They need to be able to properly communicate, use medical equipment, and have accessible buildings. Healthcare professionals need to element all barriers that could prevent disabled people from receiving proper health care.
If patients cannot enter a building due to wheelchairs or crutches then they cannot receive the treatment they need. “Three major barriers are inadequate space, high perceived equipment cost, and lack of financial compensation for extra time spent on accommodating patients with disability” (National Library of Medicine). All buildings should have easy accessible ramps, and elevators. This includes accessible routes from the parking lot, and bus stops. Accessible doors, restrooms, examining rooms, and maneuvering space (CMS). Laws and regulations have been put into place to make sure disabled people get proper and fair treatment. Title II of the ADA requires equal access. It also includes specific requirements like new construction and alteration to building that are not accessible, and service animals requirements (CMS). Title III requires all healthcare personnel to treat every patient equal, and accommodate their specific needs. Financial barriers can also affect people with disabilities. Regardless if it is due to poverty or the need for more medical treatment. People with disabilities are more susceptible to health problems, like diabetes, obesity, and depression (CDC). The Disabled Access Credit allows for healthcare providers to purchase accessible medical equipment removing some of those barriers.
Some medical equipment is not easily accessible like scales, examining tables, and chairs. The Rehabilitation Act allows for more accessible equipment. It is required that all examining rooms have clear space, and open space around medical equipment for mobility devices. All equipment must allow for a seated position, seated in a wheelchair, and standing position. To be inclusive for all the equipment needs to have lift compatibility, transfer supports, and surfaces, wheelchair space, slip resistance, and standing supports (ADA). Having adjustable examining tables is beneficial for people with disabilities who cannot stand on their own. It is also important for the safety of patients during transfer from their wheelchair to medical equipment. Some physicians have stated that transferring patients without proper equipment is difficult (National Library of Medicine). Without proper equipment you can make the patient feel uncomfortable, or injure them. Not only is it unsafe for the patient, but it can be risky for the physician. If healthcare professionals cannot properly transfer patients they can injure themselves. One physician claims transferring patients is “something we struggle with all the time” (National Library of Medicine). Some physicians avoid the transfer by examining patients in their wheelchair, however this could cause for not equal care as on an examining table. Having proper training to care for patients with disabilities can help increase care quality, and safety.
It is just as important to be trained how to properly communicate with disabled people, and correct ways to care for them. Every person has their own needs to achieve proper care. If the patient is hard of hearing, the healthcare professional needs to be able to clearly communicate with them. Always talk clearly to the patient, and explain everything you are doing so they feel comfortable. Have alternate ways to communicate, and ask them if they would rather a different method of care that works better for them. People with disabilities can have alternative ways of thinking, writing, and talking. These are not often accommodated for their needs. People with disabilities can have less access to education, so it is important to explain in simpler terms so they understand what is happening to them. Do not talk down to them. People with disabilities can receive discrimination, so as a healthcare professional it is important to look at them while you are talking, and not their family members. Have posters around the healthcare facilities that include disabled people so they feel more included (WHO). Accommodate for their needs, like video calls, and telehealth. Having options for people with disabilities can ease their discomfort, and they get a say in how they want to be treated.
Going to the doctor’s office can be a scary and challenging experience for people with disabilities. As a healthcare professional it is their responsibility to make them feel comfortable, and get them their proper treatment. Ask your patient questions, and their presence of specific things. Always treat your patients fairly, and respectfully. Always avoid assuming what people with disabilities can or cannot do. Speak directly to your patient in a normal clear voice. Healthcare professionals need to accommodate their patients’ needs every visit. To tackle these obstacles, a comprehensive strategy involving professional training, compassionate communication, and physical accessibility is needed. Buildings, rooms, and equipment in healthcare facilities must be made accessible to people with disabilities as a top priority. In order to serve patients with disabilities in an inclusive and respectful manner, healthcare personnel must undergo extensive training that helps them understand their specific requirements. We can work toward a healthcare system that genuinely supports every person, regardless of ability, by embracing diversity, enhancing communication techniques, and making investments in accessible facilities.
References
Agaronnik, N., Campbell, E. G., Ressalam, J., & Iezzoni, L. I. (2019). Accessibility of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Patients With Disability: Observations From Physicians. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 100(11), 2032–2038. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2019.02.007
Disability and health information for health care providers. (2020, September 15). CDC.gov. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/hcp.html
Improving access to care for people with disabilities. (2023, September 6). CMS.gov. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/health-care-professionals-researchers/improving-access-care-people-disabilities
WHO disability-inclusive health services training package: A companion to the disability-inclusive health services toolkit. (2023, June 22). World Health Organization. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290620020
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