Understanding the disability training experiences, desires and needs of health care providers in North Central Florida

Background: No minimal disability competency is required for health care providers who perform breast cancer screenings. Yet, as our population ages, and disability rates increase, more women with disabilities are requiring preventive breast health care. Purpose: We sought to better understand the disability training mammographers and other medical providers receive and desire, and the advice they would extend to their colleagues about working with women with disabilities. Methods: Within the context of a community-academic partnership, telephone interviews were conducted with 14 mammographers and 15 medical providers (MDs, Nurses) practicing in North Central Florida. Grounded theory techniques uncovered major themes. Results: The extent, content, and delivery of disability training varied across participants. Analysis revealed differences across provider type with regard to training wishes and advice they would bestow upon their colleagues. Mammographers desired training on positioning to ‘get the best breast image,' while their advice to colleagues focused on affording patience and respect to the patient. Medical care providers were more likely to reject additional training, or requested information that would allow them to stay current on technical and non-technical aids to facilitate patient visits. Their advice to colleagues focused on providing equitable treatment to all patients, and considering the whole person, not just their disability. Conclusion: Training experiences of health care providers was inconsistent, but deemed important by most respondents. Future training options should consider the needs of different providers, and focus on both the technical and social implications of providing breast health care to women with disabilities.