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van den Bemd M, Koks-Leensen M, Cuypers M, Leusink GL, Schalk B, Bischoff EWMA. Care needs of chronically ill patients with intellectual disabilities in Dutch general practice: patients' and providers' perspectives. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:732. [PMID: 38877510 PMCID: PMC11177393 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To reduce the impact of chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and chronic lung disease (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), it is imperative that care is of high quality and suitable to patients' needs. Patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) differ from the average patient population in general practice because of their limitations in adaptive behaviour and intellectual functioning, and concomitant difficulties recognising and reacting to disease symptoms, proactively searching health information, and independently managing diseases effectively. Because of these differences, information on their care needs is essential for suitable chronic disease management (CDM). Inadequate recognition of the care needs of this vulnerable population may hamper the harmonisation of evidence-based and person-centred care, compounded by issues such as stigma, misconceptions, and diagnostic overshadowing. This study therefore aimed to explore the needs of patients with ID from perspectives of both patients and of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the context of CDM in general practice. METHODS This qualitative study recruited patients with ID for face-to-face individual interviews and HCPs for focus groups. With the Chronic Care Model as the underlying framework, semi-structured interviews and focus-group guides were defined to explore patients' care needs and HCPs' perspectives. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using Atlas.ti software, data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Between June and September 2022, 14 patients with ID and cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and/or asthma/COPD were interviewed; and 32 general practitioners and practice nurses participated in seven focus groups. We identified six care needs underpinning suitable CDM: trusting relationship between patient and HCP; clear expectations about the CDM process; support in disease management; directive decision-making; support in healthy lifestyle; accessible medical information. CONCLUSIONS This vulnerable patient population has complex care needs that must be acknowledged for suitable CDM. Although HCPs largely recognise these needs, organisational factors and lack of training or experience with patients with ID hamper HCPs' ability to fully adjust care provision to these needs. Access to, and knowledge of, easy-language information on chronic diseases and communication guidelines could aid HCPs to facilitate patients in managing their diseases more adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou van den Bemd
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique Koks-Leensen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Cuypers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Geraline L Leusink
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Schalk
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Erik W M A Bischoff
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
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Bracken RC, Richman KA, Garden R, Fischbein R, Bhambra R, Ragina N, Dawson S, Cascio A. Developing Disability-Focused Pre-Health and Health Professions Curricula. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 44:553-576. [PMID: 38099998 PMCID: PMC10733220 DOI: 10.1007/s10912-023-09828-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
People with disabilities (PWD) comprise a significant part of the population yet experience some of the most profound health disparities. Among the greatest barriers to quality care are inadequate health professions education related to caring for PWD. Drawing upon the expertise of health professions educators in medicine, public health, nursing, social work, and physician assistant programs, this forum showcases innovative methods for teaching core disability skills and concepts grounded in disability studies and the health humanities. Each of the essays offers practical guidance for developing curricular interventions appropriate for students at various levels of training and familiarity with disability to be implemented in classroom discussions, case-based learning, lectures, panels, and clinical simulations across the full spectrum of pre-health and health professions education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth A Richman
- Center for Health Humanities, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Fischbein
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Raman Bhambra
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Neli Ragina
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Shay Dawson
- College of Education and Human Services, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Ariel Cascio
- Center for Bioethics and Social Justice, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Lassiter JW, Campbell AL, Taliaferro AR, Zimmerman SP. Measuring Health Professionals' Skills and Self-Efficacy for Communicating with Individuals with Disabilities: Instrument Development and Validation. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37908167 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2275125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with disabilities experience numerous health disparities compared to their non-disabled peers and face inequities associated with challenges accessing care, stigma, and bias. Health professionals have the opportunity to address health inequities through improved communication, a primary barrier to receiving quality care; however more training is needed. There are limitations to existing tools to measure the skills or self-efficacy of professionals to communicate with individuals with disabilities, and to assess the effectiveness of training programs. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure health professionals' communication skills and self-efficacy specifically related to working with individuals with disabilities. After a comprehensive review of literature, expert review of proposed scale items, and pilot test, a 19-item survey was administered to 237 healthcare and health and physical education professionals. Construct validity was evaluated by performing an exploratory factor analysis on each subscale and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure internal consistency. For the skills subscale, Cronbach's α = .919 and for the self-efficacy subscale Cronbach's α = .949 after the removal of one item, resulting in a final 18-item inventory that demonstrates strong validity and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill W Lassiter
- Department of Health Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Amanada L Campbell
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrea R Taliaferro
- Department of Educational and Developmental Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Shannon P Zimmerman
- School of Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Selick A, Durbin J, Hamdani Y, Rayner J, Lunsky Y. "Can you hear me now?": a qualitative exploration of communication quality in virtual primary care encounters for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:105. [PMID: 37081380 PMCID: PMC10117251 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02055-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High quality communication is central to effective primary care. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in virtual care but little is known about how this may affect communication quality. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can experience challenges communicating or communicate in non-traditional ways. This study explored how the use of virtual modalities, including telephone and video, affects communication in primary care interactions for patients with IDD. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study included semi-structured interviews with a multi-stakeholder sample of 38 participants, including 11 adults with IDD, 13 family caregivers, 5 IDD support staff and 9 primary care physicians. Interviews were conducted in Ontario, Canada between March and November 2021 by video-conference or telephone. A mixed inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach was used to code the data and identify themes. Themes were reviewed and refined with members of each stakeholder group. RESULTS Four elements of communication were identified that were affected by virtual care: (1) patient engagement in the virtual appointment; (2) the ability to hear other participants and have the time and space to be heard; (3) the ability to use nonverbal communication strategies; and (4) the ability to form trusting relationships. In some cases, the virtual platform hindered these elements of communication. Video offered some advantages over telephone to support nonverbal communication, and stimulate engagement; though this could be limited by technical challenges. For adults with IDD who find it difficult to attend in-person appointments, virtual care improved communication quality by allowing them to participate from a space where they were comfortable. CONCLUSION Though there are circumstances in which virtual delivery can improve communication for patients with IDD, there are also challenges to achieving high quality patient-provider communication over telephone and video. Improved infrastructure and training for providers, patients and caregivers can help improve communication quality, though in some cases it may never be appropriate. A flexible patient-centred approach is needed that includes in-person, telephone and video options for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avra Selick
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Janet Durbin
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yani Hamdani
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rayner
- Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Alliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Campbell EG, Rao SR, Ressalam J, Bolcic-Jankovic D, Lawrence R, Moore JM, Iezzoni LI. Caring for Adults With Significant Levels of Intellectual Disability in Outpatient Settings: Results of a National Survey of Physicians. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 128:36-48. [PMID: 36548375 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Between 1% and 2% of the U.S. population has an intellectual disability (ID) and often experience disparities in health care. Communication patterns and sedation use for routine medical procedures are important aspects of care for this population. We explored physicians' communication patterns and sedation use in caring for patients with significant levels of ID through a mailed survey of 1,400 physicians among seven specialties in outpatient settings (response rate = 61.0%). Among physicians who saw at least one patient with significant levels of ID in an average month, 74.8% reported usually/always communicating primarily with someone other than the patient. Among specialists, 85.5% (95% CI: 80.5%-90.5%) reported doing so, compared to 69.9% (95% CI: 64.4%-75.4%) for primary care physicians (p < 0.001). Also, 11.4% reported sedating at least one patient with significant levels of ID for a routine procedure. Three quarters of physicians reported communicating primarily with persons other than the patient usually or always-an approach that, in some instances, may not align with best medical practice. The percentage of physicians who report sedating at least one individual is associated with significant ID and the physician's volume of patients with significant ID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sowmya R Rao
- Sowmya R. Rao, Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center and Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Julie Ressalam
- Julie Ressalam, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | | | - Rosa Lawrence
- Rosa Lawrence, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Jaime M Moore
- Jaime M. Moore, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Lisa I Iezzoni
- Lisa I. Iezzoni, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
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Flores AL, Holt S, Lynch MM, Squiers L, Walker K, Ligon J. Tips for health care providers on talking with patients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities about COVID-19. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2022; 15:324-328. [PMID: 36911901 PMCID: PMC10947989 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2132011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One in four American adults reports having at least one disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities and widened already-existing health disparities and inequities. For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), these disparities are compounded by literacy limitations that make it challenging to access, understand, and act upon critical COVID-19 prevention information. METHODS Using a design thinking framework, we conducted interviews with 27 caregivers of adults with IDD who also have extreme low literacy (ELL) to assess COVID-19 information needs and recommendations for how health care providers could best provide COVID-19 information. Based on our findings, we developed a draft tip sheet to help health care providers communicate with adults with IDD/ELL about COVID-19. We then tested the tip sheet with six health care providers via a focus group discussion. We refined and finalized the tip sheet based on our focus group findings. RESULTS Caregivers noted the importance of visual aids, repetition, empathy and addressing the person with IDD/ELL directly when discussing COVID-19. Many health care providers indicated that the tip sheet would be most helpful for those with limited experience with patients with IDD/ELL and specific instructions for implementing the tips would be important. CONCLUSIONS We developed an evidence-informed tip sheet to facilitate communication between health care providers and adults with IDD/ELL and their caregivers, particularly around COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina L. Flores
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Human Development and Disability, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sidney Holt
- RTI International, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jillian Ligon
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Human Development and Disability, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Amir N, Smith L, Valentine AM, Mitra M, Parish SL, Moore Simas TA. Clinician perspectives on the need for training on caring for pregnant women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disabil Health J 2021; 15:101262. [PMID: 35031269 PMCID: PMC8983509 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) experience disparities in obstetric care access and quality, in addition to communication gaps with healthcare providers. Many obstetric providers are untrained and uneducated about critical aspects of providing care to persons with IDDs. OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to describe obstetric clinicians' training experiences related to providing obstetric care to women with IDDs, to assess the perceived need for formalized training, and to identify recommendations for training content. METHODS This study involved qualitative individual interviews (n = 9) and one focus group (n = 8) with obstetric clinicians who self-reported experience caring for women with IDDs during pregnancy. Descriptive coding and content analysis techniques were used to develop an iterative codebook related to education and training; codes were applied to the data. Coded data were analyzed for larger themes and relationships. RESULTS Analysis revealed three main themes: 1. Need for obstetric training and education: No participant reported receiving any training in caring for pregnant women with IDDs. Participants expressed a need for formal education. 2. Recommendations for formal training: Participants noted the need for training during residency and beyond, and all healthcare staff members should be included in training. 3. Training outcomes should increase knowledge, enhance attitudes, and develop practical skills related to care for pregnant women with IDDs. CONCLUSION Results indicate a need for systematic training efforts regarding obstetric care for women with IDDs. Improved training and education may decrease health inequities and improve the quality of care, and thus pregnancy outcomes, for women with IDDs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Amir
- University of Connecticut Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 200 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; University of Masachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Lauren Smith
- The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Anne M Valentine
- The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Monika Mitra
- The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Susan L Parish
- Virginia Commonwealth University, College of Health Professions, 900 E. Leigh Street, Box 980233 Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health Care Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont Street, Jaquith Building Floor 2, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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8
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Abstract
Between 1% and 3% of persons in general population are estimated to have some degree of intellectual disability. A diagnosis of intellectual disability is based on clinical history, level of intellectual ability and level of adaptive function. Both, the intellectual and adaptive functioning are measured using individually administered standardized tests. More than 75% of persons who have intellectual disability have mild intellectual disability and an underlying specific etiology is less likely to be identified; whereas, in a small percentage of persons with severe intellectual disability, an underlying specific biologic cause is highly likely to be identified. Genetic abnormalities, inborn errors of metabolism and brain malformations are major categories of causes identified in severe to profound intellectual disability. The initial clinical presentation and recognition depends on the severity and underlying cause of intellectual disability. The etiology, severity, cognitive abilities, and adaptive function, vary among persons with intellectual disability and need consideration in developing a treatment plan. The physician plays an essential role in the evaluation, treatment of associated medical conditions and preventive care, and in facilitating and coordinating consultative services and community based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip R Patel
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Maria Demma Cabral
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Arlene Ho
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Joav Merrick
- Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jarusalem, Israel.,University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.,School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
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Agaronnik N, Campbell EG, Ressalam J, Iezzoni LI. Exploring issues relating to disability cultural competence among practicing physicians. Disabil Health J 2019; 12:403-410. [PMID: 30765256 PMCID: PMC6581576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many factors contribute to the well-recognized health care disparities experienced by persons with disability, including failure of physicians to understand the lives of individuals with disability. Disability cultural competence considers physicians' ability to meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of this population. OBJECTIVES To assess physicians' understanding of disability cultural competence and attitudes towards patients with disability. METHODS Qualitative analyses of open-ended individual interviews averaging 41 min with 20 Massachusetts physicians from 5 different subspecialties, in practice for 8-51 years. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim for conventional content analysis. RESULTS Most participants defined disability using medically-focused concepts rather than concepts that recognize how social factors contribute to disability. All participants used disability culturally-competent language, such as "person-first language," at some points throughout their interviews. However, most participants also employed language that is now considered unacceptable or archaic, such as variations on the word "handicap," "wheelchair-bound," describing persons with disability as "suffering," and calling persons by their health condition (e.g., "COPDer"). Participants mentioned persons with mental illness and intellectual disability as particularly challenging, especially around communication and performing even routine tests or examinations. Recommendations for improving care included better listening to patients with disability and seeking their views about their care. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory study, most participants used language that is considered disability culturally competent at times but also employed many terms and concepts that are considered outdated and may be troubling to some persons with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Agaronnik
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States.
| | - Eric G Campbell
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Julie Ressalam
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Lisa I Iezzoni
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, United States.
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10
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Agaronnik N, Campbell EG, Ressalam J, Iezzoni LI. Communicating with Patients with Disability: Perspectives of Practicing Physicians. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1139-1145. [PMID: 30887435 PMCID: PMC6614249 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-04911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-centered care for people with disability requires effective communication and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). OBJECTIVE To understand physicians' perspectives on communication experiences with people with disability. DESIGN Twenty semi-structured individual interviews. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim for analysis. SETTING Massachusetts, October 2017-January 2018. PARTICIPANTS Twenty physicians ranging from 8 to 51 years in practice in primary care or 4 other specialties. MEASUREMENTS Commonly expressed themes around communication with people with disability. RESULTS Concerns coalesced around 4 broad categories: communication experiences with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, communication with people who are blind or have vision impairment, communication with people who have intellectual disability, and recommendations for improving communication. Although participants in this study reported various efforts to communicate effectively with patients with hearing or vision loss or intellectual disability, many gaps appear to remain, as well as instances where physicians' preferences run counter to patients' wishes and the ADA. Examples include physicians' preferences for remote, online sign language interpreters despite patients desiring in-person interpreters and suggesting that patients arrange for their own interpreters. Few educational materials are available in braille, and electronic medical records may not allow documents to be printed in large font for persons with low vision. Communicating with patients with intellectual disability raised particular concerns, with participants often preferring to interact with caregivers and minimal efforts to involve patients. CONCLUSIONS Effective communication is necessary for ensuring the quality of health care for people with disability, and it is legally required under the ADA. Our results suggest that important gaps may remain in ensuring effective communication, and some practicing physicians could benefit from formal training in effective methods for communicating with patients with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Agaronnik
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric G Campbell
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julie Ressalam
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lisa I Iezzoni
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Sabatello M. Cultivating inclusivity in precision medicine research: disability, diversity, and cultural competence. J Community Genet 2018; 10:363-373. [PMID: 30539340 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-018-0402-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultural competence is increasingly viewed as key for the inclusion of diverse populations in precision medicine research (PMR) in the USA. Precision medicine researchers and personnel are thus increasingly expected to undergo cultural competency trainings and to engage with relevant racial/ethnic communities to ensure that all research components are culturally and linguistically sensitive to these communities. However, the need for PMR enterprises to ensure competence with and understanding of disability rights, history, and needs (hereinafter disability culture competency) have not received attention. This article discusses the importance of disability inclusivity in PMR and the construct-and challenges-of disability as a cultural community. Reviewing and extrapolating from studies in healthcare settings, the article considers three interrelated issues that are likely to impact disability inclusivity in PMR: disability accessibility and accommodation; disability stigma and unconsious bias; and disability language and communication. Next, disability competency trainings that were developed in healthcare settings are surveyed and their applicability for PMR is discussed. The arguments advanced are that disability culture competency among precision medicine researchers, personnel, and oversight committees is essential to upholding the welfare and rights of human subjects with disabilities in PMR; that engagement with disability communities is imperative for this endeavor; and that such knowledge of disability culture is crucial for cultivating inclusivity of people with different (dis)abilities in PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Sabatello
- Center for Research on Ethical, Legal & Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic & Behavioral Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,NY State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 122, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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