Disability and Health Journal
Volume 2, Issue 4 , Pages 169-179.e1, October 2009

Perspectives of patients with disabilities on the accessibility of medical equipment: Examination tables, imaging equipment, medical chairs, and weight scales

  • Molly Follette Story, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Human Spectrum Design, LLC, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-0980, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author: c/o CDIHP, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766-1854. Fax: (909) 469-5503.
    • ,
  • Erin Schwier, O.T.D., O.T.R.

      Affiliations

    • Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA
    • ,
  • June Isaacson Kailes, M.S.W.

      Affiliations

    • Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA

Abstract 

Background

In a prior survey, patients with disabilities reported difficulty using many common types of medical equipment.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups to explore in greater detail the most common difficulties mentioned by survey participants in order to identify critical issues related to accessibility and usability and to inform subsequent research.

Methods

Participants of eight focus groups discussed medical equipment accessibility and safety issues experienced when using or attempting to access four specific categories of medical devices: examination tables, imaging equipment, medical chairs, and weight scales. Content of the transcript of each focus group was categorized according to five major themes: safety issues, equipment issues, health care provider issues, patient issues, and environmental issues. The results were then aggregated.

Results

The focus group participants reported that characteristics of the equipment's contact surfaces could cause difficulty and discomfort. Participants commented on lack of physical support for patients with disabilities to transfer their bodies onto and off the equipment and lack of support to achieve and maintain body positions while on the equipment. Wheelchair scales were reported as rarely available, and scales without voice output were inaccessible to blind individuals. Health care provider issues and patient issues are discussed in relation to the accessibility and safety of the equipment.

Conclusions

Some types of medical devices and technologies present substantial barriers for some medical patients with disabilities, which may negatively affect their access to health care. Recommendations for improved designs are provided to enhance medical equipment accessibility and safety.

Keywords: Medical devices, Medical equipment, Accessibility, disability, Focus groups

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 Financial disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. This work was supported by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, under Grant H133E020729. The opinions contained in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Education.

PII: S1936-6574(09)00055-7

doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2009.05.003

Disability and Health Journal
Volume 2, Issue 4 , Pages 169-179.e1, October 2009

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