Health Care Toolkit to Support Patients with Disabilities
Smith, Sydnie E
Citations
Abstract
Accessing healthcare services that are adequate and accessible remains a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, particularly adults. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at high risk for developing comorbid health conditions and experience disparities in receipt of preventive care services. Without preventive care services, chronic and complex health conditions are difficult to diagnose and manage. This report outlines the development and implementation of an Emergency Department Disability Toolkit developed for the Georgia Statewide Disability and Health Program. This toolkit aims to provide resources for healthcare providers working in emergency settings to provide disability competent care to patients with disabilities. The toolkit includes a provider tip. sheet, a patient intake form, an indicator for the patient’s chart, and several patient resources. The Emergency Department Disability Toolkit will be pilot tested and evaluated in a local emergency department. Results of the pilot test will guide further refinement of the toolkit prior to dissemination.