As of 2022, more than 1 of 4 — or a staggering 70 million adults in the US — were reportedly living with disabilities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because of the unique challenges they face, people with disabilities often experience certain health inequities, including inaccessibility, discrimination, and negative attitudes.
Healthcare professionals must be equipped on how to properly support patients with disabilities to ensure that quality care is provided to all in a respectful and dignified manner. This is especially vital since persons with disabilities are five times more likely to experience mental distress compared with people who do not have disabilities. Mental distress, according to the CDC, also increases their risk for chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and mental disorders.
This article provides helpful tips on how healthcare workers can support persons with disabilities to help them obtain effective, compassionate, and equitable care.
Tips on how to provide respectful and effective care to patients with disabilities
Prioritize accessibility
Persons with disabilities need to have easy access to healthcare facilities via clearly marked and barrier-free ramps, elevators, and accessible doors. Make sure that accessibility devices and equipment are also ready for when patients request them, such as:
· Wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters
· Braille displays, screen readers, and large-print materials
· Hearing aids and video relay services (VRS)
Be straightforward, simple, and sincere
Communicate properly in the patient’s preferred method of communication, whether that be verbally or non-verbally. If the patient prefers verbal communication, make sure to speak straightforwardly, using simple or easy-to-understand language.
Greet the patient normally, like you would anybody else. Always address the patient directly sincerely and clearly, even if the patient came in with an aide or a companion. If you’re unsure or need to clarify anything related to the patient’s health, don’t be afraid to ask questions in a respectful manner.
Avoid making assumptions
People experience disabilities differently, and it’s neither medically sound nor ethically correct to make assumptions about a patient’s abilities or challenges. According to one 2006 study, healthcare practitioners can improve communication with patients with disabilities and bolster healthcare quality by not making assumptions about persons with disabilities and simply asking them about what they need and prefer.
Do not assume that a person with disabilities needs help in specific ways. For example, if a person has a mobility disability, do not assume that they need you to open doors for them. Offer help or assistance, but do not assume that they need it. If they choose to accept the help you’re offering, wait for their instructions or allow them to express how they want to receive it.
Listen well and patiently
Some persons with disabilities may experience difficulties expressing themselves, so it’s important to give them enough time to form a response. Do not interrupt them when they’re speaking or attempt to finish sentences for them. Give them enough space to pause or stay silent and allow them to set the pace in which the conversation is carried out.
If you’re not sure that you understood what they said, ask questions to clarify or repeat the information to verify it. Mind your nonverbals — only nod when you understand them clearly, maintain eye contact at all times, and be mindful of your facial expressions. At the end of the conversation, summarize the main points and encourage them to share their feedback.
With these helpful tips, healthcare workers will be empowered to provide equal access to quality healthcare, give better and more individualized care, build trust, reduce stigma, and promote dignity and independence to persons with disabilities.
