Disabled Patients' Experiences of Healthcare Services in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine patient-reported experiences of healthcare services by disability status. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) measures of overall healthcare satisfaction, timeliness of care, and patient-provider interactions to assess differences by disability status and, among those with a disability, between those with sensory, physical, cognitive, or multiple disabilities. DATA SOURCES AND ANALYTIC SAMPLE: CAHPS measures included in the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for U.S. adults. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: People with disabilities reported significantly lower ratings of healthcare services compared to the general population (7.98, 95% CI: 7.89-8.08 vs. 8.38, 95% CI: 8.34-8.43 on a scale of 0 [worst] to 10 [best]), with the lowest satisfaction among people with multiple disabilities (7.87, 95% CI: 7.72-8.02). Disabled people reported worse experiences on all measures compared to people without disabilities. People with physical, cognitive, and multiple disabilities reported significantly worse experiences of healthcare services than those with sensory disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, disabled people reported lower satisfaction with healthcare services, less timely care, and worse provider interactions than people without disabilities. Changes to policy and practice are needed to improve healthcare experiences for disabled people.
Source: Health Services Research
Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,750
OpenAlex ID: W4408162206