Improving Accessibility in the Emergency Department for Patients with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: The emergency department (ED) is a critical service area for patients living with disabilities in the United States. Despite this, there is limited research on best practices from the patient experience regarding accommodation and accessibility for those with disabilities. In this stud...

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Publicado en:Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health Vol. 24; pp. 74 - 81
Autores principales: Carmichael, J. Harrison, Kalagher, Kelly M., Reznek, Martin A., Modi, Payal
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health 2023 Supplement
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: 2023 Supplement
      vid: 24
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      pub: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health
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        10.5811/westjem.58406
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        atl: Improving Accessibility in the Emergency Department for Patients with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.
      aug:
        au:
          Carmichael, J. Harrison
          Kalagher, Kelly M.
          Reznek, Martin A.
          Modi, Payal
        affil: University of Massachusetts, Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
      sug:
        subj:
          Emergency Service Massachusetts
          Health Services Accessibility
          Persons with Disabilities
          Quality Improvement
          Human
          Qualitative Studies
          Massachusetts
          Cognition Disorders
          Blindness
          Vision Disorders
          Interviews
          Thematic Analysis
          Professional-Patient Relations
          Communication
      ab: Introduction: The emergency department (ED) is a critical service area for patients living with disabilities in the United States. Despite this, there is limited research on best practices from the patient experience regarding accommodation and accessibility for those with disabilities. In this study we investigate the ED experience from the perspective of patients living with physical and cognitive disability, as well as visual impairment and blindness, to better understand the barriers to accessibility in the ED for these populations. Methods: Twelve individuals with either physical or cognitive disabilities, visual impairments or blindness were interviewed regarding their ED experiences, particularly related to accessibility. Interviews were transcribed and coded for qualitative analysis with generation of significant themes relating to accessibility in the ED. Results: Major themes from coded analysis were as follows: 1) inadequate communication between staff and patients with visual impairments and physical disabilities; 2) the need for electronic delivery for after-visit summaries for individuals with cognitive and visual disabilities; 3) the importance of mindful listening and patience by healthcare staff; 4) the role of increased hospital support including greeters and volunteers; and 5) comprehensive training with both prehospital and hospital staff around assistive devices and services. Conclusion: This study serves as an important first step toward improving the ED environment to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for patients presenting with various types of disabilities. Implementing specific training, policies, and infrastructure changes may improve the experiences and healthcare of this population.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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