Perceived accessibility versus actual physical accessibility of healthcare facilities. Rehabil Nurs 2000;25(1):6-9
Date
02/07/2001Pubmed ID
10754921DOI
10.1002/j.2048-7940.2000.tb01849.xScopus ID
2-s2.0-0033628427 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 54 CitationsAbstract
This study addressed how healthcare clinics perceive themselves in regard to accessibility for persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI). All 40 of the clinics surveyed reported that they were wheelchair accessible; however, there was significant variability in the number of sites that actually met the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. In general, a person using a wheelchair could enter the building, the examination room, and the bathroom. The majority of sites did not have an examination table that could be lowered to wheelchair level. Most reported limited experience in working with persons with (SCI), yet they claimed to be able to assist with difficult transfers. Only one site knew about autonomic dysreflexia. Problems of accessibility appeared to be seriously compounded by the clinics' perception of how they met physical accessibility guidelines without consideration of the actual needs of persons with SCI. This study addressed the perception of accessibility as reported by clinic managers versus actual accessibility in healthcare clinics in a Midwestern metropolitan area for persons using wheelchairs.
Author List
Sanchez J, Byfield G, Brown TT, LaFavor K, Murphy D, Laud PAuthor
Purushottam W. Laud PhD Adjunct Professor in the Data Science Institute department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Architectural AccessibilityAttitude of Health Personnel
Attitude to Health
Guideline Adherence
Guidelines as Topic
Health Facility Administrators
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Midwestern United States
Spinal Cord Injuries
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wheelchairs
