About me
Educating aspiring healthcare providers to enhance healthcare delivery for patients with disabilities
Location: 66
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Falcon
Health disparities experienced by individuals with disabilities can be partially attributed to the receipt of inadequate healthcare. A dearth of adequate training for healthcare providers (HCP) contributes to a documented, self-reported lack of knowledge about and confidence in providing appropriate care to this vulnerable population. Efforts to prepare HCPs should begin prior to entering the workforce. This pilot study aims to assess the impact of an educational intervention among aspiring HCPs. A one arm, uncontrolled interventional study was conducted. Current medical trainees completed an interactive online training. Pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in providing care to patients with disabilities. After completing training, trainees in a disability-focused clinical rotation led a patient visit, which was observed by a facilitator using a performance checklist evaluating behaviors emphasized within the training, and participated in a follow-up debriefing session. Patients seen by a trainee completed a satisfaction survey after the visit. Reported HCP (n=4) confidence and knowledge increased; however, these results were not significant. All HCP trainees demonstrated 100% of applicable skills. All patients strongly or somewhat agreed on all aspects of the patient satisfaction survey. Assessment should aim to link behavioral antecedents to care delivery, including patient input. Further data is needed to evaluate the training’s effectiveness due to the small sample size. Proven effectiveness of these educational methods can affirm curricular integration initiatives, enhance healthcare experiences and outcomes of patients with disabilities, and reduce healthcare costs.
