title: Examining patient-centered communication and access for veterans with disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if there are significant differences in patient-centered communication and access to care experienced by veterans with disabilities compared to veterans without disabilities and nonveterans with disabilities and what variables contribute to the likelihood of poor patient-centered communication and access to care.
  
  
  METHODS
  χ(2) analyses were used to determine differences in patient-centered communication and access to care. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables contributing to poor patient-centered care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Veterans with disabilities were significantly less likely to say that a physician listened to their concerns, explained care so they understood, treated them with respect, spent enough time with them, and were less likely to get necessary care or experience a delay in getting care than veterans without disabilities. No significant differences were found when comparing patient-centered communication between veterans and nonveterans with disabilities. Veteran status protects against poor patient-centered care, whereas disability status increases the likelihood of poor patient-centered care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care providers should consider the unique strengths and limitations presented by veterans with disabilities in their patient-centered communication. Future research in partnership with veterans with and without disabilities is needed to determine effective strategies to improve patient-centered communication and health care access.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129.
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003142:Communication; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult