Frost Karen L, Bertocci Gina, Stillman Michael D, Smalley Craig, Williams Steve
Department of Bioengineering, J. B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
J Rehabil Res Dev. 2015;52(6):653-62. doi: 10.1682/JRRD.2015.01.0002.
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.
《美国残疾人法案》（ADA）要求全面和平等地获得医疗服务和设施，但研究表明，由于不符合ADA规定，行动不便的残疾人获得的护理不够全面。我们的试点研究目的是评估在全州医疗网络附属的便利样本医疗诊所中ADA的合规情况。根据《建筑和设施ADA无障碍指南》对30家初级保健和专科护理诊所进行了现场评估。临床管理人员填写了一份关于检查和治疗主要行动方式为轮椅的患者的标准做法的问卷。我们发现，大多数卫生间（83%）和检查室（93%）不符合一项或多项ADA要求。70%的临床管理人员报告称没有配备可调节高度的检查台或轮椅可使用的体重秤。此外，患者坐在轮椅上接受检查（70%-87%），被要求带他人协助转移（30%），或者因诊所无法进入而被转诊到其他地方（6%）。这些便利措施不符合ADA规定。我们建议诊所进行ADA自我评估，并为临床工作人员提供关于ADA以及为行动不便的残疾人提供便利的要求的培训。
