title: Accessibility of outpatient healthcare providers for wheelchair users: Pilot study.
abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires full and equal access to healthcare services and facilities, yet studies indicate individuals with mobility disabilities receive less than thorough care as a result of ADA noncompliance. The objective of our pilot study was to assess ADA compliance within a convenience sample of healthcare clinics affiliated with a statewide healthcare network. Site assessments based on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities were performed at 30 primary care and specialty care clinics. Clinical managers completed a questionnaire on standard practices for examining and treating patients whose primary means of mobility is a wheelchair. We found a majority of restrooms (83%) and examination rooms (93%) were noncompliant with one or more ADA requirements. Seventy percent of clinical managers reported not owning a height-adjustable examination table or wheelchair accessible weight scale. Furthermore, patients were examined in their wheelchairs (70%-87%), asked to bring someone to assist with transfers (30%), or referred elsewhere due to an inaccessible clinic (6%). These methods of accommodation are not compliant with the ADA. We recommend clinics conduct ADA self-assessments and provide training for clinical staff on the ADA and requirements for accommodating individuals with mobility disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, J. B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Frost
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bertocci
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Stillman
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smalley
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D058637:Examination Tables; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D055805:Moving and Lifting Patients; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014038:Toilet Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014910:Wheelchairs
keywords: ADA; Americans with Disabilities Act; accessibility; accessible healthcare; accommodation; equal access; medical device; mobility disability; wheelchair; wheelchair users