Collaborative approach to reducing health disparities in individuals with disabilities

Background: In 2007, an estimated 480,000 adults aged 18 to 64 years in Alabama had a sensory, physical, mental, and/or self-care disability. Little is known about barriers to accessing health information and clinical services for individuals with disabilities. In 2008, the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities and National Network of Libraries of Medicine funded a statewide needs assessment to gather this data. Methods: Needs assessment surveys were developed for four audiences: individuals with disabilities, families/caregivers, health profession students, and service providers. Researchers and working group members selected survey items from HINTS 2007 (NCI, 2008), composed and reviewed new items, and offered surveys in Spanish, printed, and online formats. Statewide dissemination was achieved through agency and individual contacts, professional meetings, and news release (N = >1200). Results: Six video educational modules were produced to address needs of the four target audiences as identified by the surveys: Preparing to Visit your Health Care Provider; Staying Healthy Between Doctor Visits; Using the Internet to Learn about Your Health; Preparing to Treat Patients with Disabilities; Practice Accommodations for Patients with Disabilities; and Disability Etiquette. Modules and supplementary written material are available at www.ucpbham.com. Conclusions: Needs assessment data can be used to develop effective educational materials for multiple audiences that address important issues related to disability, such as 1) accessibility of health care facilities, 2) patient-provider communication, 3) personal health management by consumers and families/caregivers, and 4) sources of trustworthy digital health information.