Disability Training for Health Workers: A Global Narrative Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on disability training to improve knowledge, confidence, self-efficacy and competence among health care workers around the world. Methods: We searched five databases for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between January 2012 and January 2021. Studies that focused on training health care workers to improve knowledge, confidence, self-efficacy, and competence to support people with physical, sensory, or intellectual impairments were included. Data about the details of the intervention (setting, participants, format, impact assessments, etc.) and its effects were extracted. Findings: There is an array of highly local tools to train health workers across stages of their training and careers (pre-service, in-service, and continuing professional development). Studies involving people with disabilities in the training, community placements, simulations, or interactive sessions were found to be most effective in improving knowledge, confidence, competency, and self-efficacy. Conclusion: As part of initiatives to build inclusive health systems and improve health outcomes for people with disabilities, health workers around the world need to receive appropriate and evidence-based training that combine multiple methods and involve people with disabilities.

Five ways to counter ableist messaging in medical education in the context of promoting healthy movement behaviours

“…Compte tenu de l'influence de la communauté médicale et la confiance que lui témoigne le public, elle se doit de reconnaître. Nous proposons cinq stratégies pour contrer les discours capacitistes en éducation médicale : (1) renforcer les connaissances et la confiance des médecins et des stagiaires pour leur permettre d'optimiser les comportements kinésiques chez les personnes vivant avec un handicap, (2) effectuer des vérifications linguistiques pour garantir que la terminologie liée au handicap qu'emploient les personnes et les établissements est inclusive et n'entraîne pas de préjudices involontaires, (3) contrer efficacement le discours capacitiste, (4) répondre aux besoins de santé non satisfaits des personnes vivant avec un handicap, et (5) participer aux efforts de réforme des programmes d'études médicales afin que les personnes vivant avec un handicap soient représentées et traitées équitablement. Les médecins et les stagiaires occupent une position privilégiée pour offrir des soins compétents et inclusifs, ce qui fait de l'éducation médicale un cadre opportun pour combattre les inégalités en matière de soins liées au handicap.…”

“…3 Increased clinical exposure to PLWD, particularly where it might require adaptations of the typical approach to a history and physical examination, would also be beneficial. 5 These efforts, which will combat ignorance about disability and prevent the formation of negative attitudes, are integral to addressing this 'unmet needs' problem.…”

“…3 Unfortunately, some health care providers report lacking the necessary knowledge and confidence to competently care for PLWD. 4,5,6 Thus, while medical trainees will undoubtedly care for PLWD frequently, they require better preparation to deliver that care.…”

“…unintentionally foster ableism. 5 Fundamentally, ableism refers to the differential valuation of abilities in society, which leads to discrimination towards PLWD. 6 In the medical world, ableism may take insidious forms; for example, the underestimation of quality of life for PLWD, 8 or lack of exposure to bodies with disability in case-based learning.…”

A Scoping Review of Deaf Awareness Programs in Health Professional Education

“…Certainly, there is a need for increased disability training in health professional education [23], with the most effective programs noted to be those that include people with disabilities themselves.…”