Residents with disabilities: a national survey of directors of emergency medicine residency programs.

BACKGROUND

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect since 1990. The present study shows response to this act for emergency medicine (EM) residents nationwide.

METHODS

A total of 121 surveys were mailed to the directors of American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved residency programs. A definition of disability was provided, and a second mailing was sent to those not replying.

RESULTS

Ninety-two program directors (76%) responded, representing 4,644 residents. Of these, 62 residents (1.3%) were reported as having a documented disability. Programs with a known disabled resident were significantly more likely to have available resources for assistance. Forty-seven (52%) of the program directors suspected a resident might have an undiagnosed disability, and 40 (85%) of these recommended testing or referral.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide array of disabilities among EM residents. Available assistance varies. This may apply to other residencies as well.