Work

Providing Equitable Access to Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities: An Important Challenge for Medical Education

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: In a recent national survey, over 50% of physicians reported not feeling confident in their ability to provide care to individuals with disabilities. This finding is troubling as physicians are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) to ensure their practice is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This commentary addresses the need for including disability in medical education and to provide inclusive and quality care for individuals with disabilities. We offer four recommendations to enhance medical school curricula that would educate medical students to provide equitable health services to individuals with disabilities: 1) embed disability training throughout medical education; 2) educate medical students to recognize multiple models of disability; 3) include education and experience with universal design and supported decision-making; and 4) include individuals with all types of disabilities in medical education. Including disability education for medical students should better prepare future physicians for feeling confident in their ability to provide care to individuals with disabilities.

DOI: 10.54111/0001/rr2

Authors: Michele Sky Lee, Monica Diaz, Tamsen Bassford, Julie Armin, Heather J. Williamson

Institutions: Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix

Language: English

Topic: Innovations in Medical Education

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute

Awards: 2/2 Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention, 1/2 The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention