Purpose: To assess the impact of an educational session on health care professionals in order to improve comprehensive gynecologic care for WWPD.
Background: The percentage of the population with disabilities is growing. However, this population continues to face physical barriers such as inaccessible exam tables, as well as complex obstacles such as provider perceptions and lack of training on caring for these patients. This combination has led to significant health disparities.
Methods: This prospective cohort study of attending physicians, trainees and other healthcare providers was conducted virtually. Sixteen participants completed a pre-session survey, attended a 20-minute disability sensitivity training followed by a 30-minute discussion and a post-session survey. Descriptive analyses were conducted for all variables. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for matched sample was performed to compare the difference between pre and post survey in providers’ knowledge and comfort in providing healthcare for WWPD. The p-value of statistical test ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Following the session, 82.35% of providers felt prepared to treat this population, compared with 43.75% of providers on pre-survey. In addition, 70.59% of providers indicated their views of people with disabilities had changed after the training and 94.12% of participants indicated they would change their practice based on information learned in the session.
Discussions: Many medical students and health care professionals do not receive adequate training on caring for patients with disabilities and respond positively when training is implemented. Expanding medical education on this topic is crucial to decrease disparities for this population.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2023, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, CME, UME, Lecture, Public Health, Advocacy,
Devon Marks, n/a; University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; Jennifer Costa, Doctor of Medicine; Bri Anne McKeon, MD;
