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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Patricia Welch Saleeby, PhD, MSSA, School of Social Work, University of Missouri - St. Louis, One University Blvd, Lucas Hall 583, Saint Louis, MO 63121, 314-516-4654, saleebyp@umsl.edu

Although access to appropriate health care is a fundamental right for all individuals, women with disabilities are frequently marginalized when accessing breast health screening and diagnostic services. There are numerous barriers contributing to the lack of quality breast health services including inaccessible health care facilities, non-adapted medical equipment, lack of knowledge among health care providers, and lack of information targeted to women with disabilities. To address these issues, a breast health study and program was initiated for women with disabilities and breast health professionals across Missouri. Consumer and professional focus groups were conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing breast health services. Site visits and surveys were completed at breast health facilities to determine the level of accessibility. Results guided the development of three specialized educational products: (1) a consumer guide for women across different types of disabilities to improve their awareness and knowledge of breast health care issues (e.g. how to conduct a modified self breast exam), (2) a guide for breast health care providers on specific issues and recommendations related to improving breast health services (e.g. how to make their facility accessible), and (3) a resource directory featuring in-depth details on services and accessibility of breast health facilities throughout Missouri (e.g. facilities with an adapted mammography machine). Preliminary evaluation data indicates that these materials are helpful to both women with disabilities and breast health professionals. This presentation will describe the findings resulting from the study, review all three educational resources, and discuss the outcomes of program implementation.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Assess the barriers to accessing breast health care for women with disabilities.
• Use the educational materials to improve the quality of breast health care services for women with disabilities.
• Develop their own resource directory based on the one created for this project.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Programs, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No