 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Hang Pham Bowman, MA, Research, Craig Hospital, 3425 S. Clarkson Street, Englewood, CO 80110, 303 789 8591, hphambowman@craighospital.org
Technology, including computers, the Internet, and accessibility of numerous informational sources has improved the lives of people with disability. The availability of on-line shopping and information has been a benefit, especially for those with mobility limitations. It allows individuals to shop, communicate, conduct business and find information without ever having to leave their homes.
To better meet the information and health care needs of its consumers, a major hospital specializing in SCI rehabilitation conducted a two-year study of former patients’ use of the Internet. The study answered ten research questions, including: “What percentage of individuals with SCI own computers?”, “What percentage have access to the internet?” “Why do they use it?” and “Is it helpful and why?”
More than 80% of the 678 individuals surveyed said they owned a computer. Of those, almost 90% have access to the internet. Over 20% use adaptive equipment such as a brace or cuff, a touch pad, track ball and voice activation to assist them with computer use. More than 37% use the Internet to purchase and find information about equipment, while 17% use it to order medical supplies and prescriptions. Additional uses of the Internet include e-mail, searching for research and sports information, and using it for work and school purposes. Results were used to improve the accessibility and content of the hospital’s website. This poster presentation will include all results of this telephone survey, including specific recommendations and practical suggestions for using the Internet to disseminate information to people with disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Internet, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.