Improving Inclusion and Quality of Care
People with disability frequently encounter significant barriers in many aspects of life, particularly within our healthcare system. Research indicates that individuals with disability experience poorer physical health outcomes and higher levels of psychological distress compared to those without disability. As people with disability can use healthcare services more frequently, understanding their experiences is crucial to improving care.
Our recent survey gathered insights from 103 individuals with disability, asking them to rate their experiences in general healthcare—such as visits to general practitioners (GPs), specialists, and allied health professionals—as well as mental healthcare, including services from psychologists, counsellors, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists.
Respondents rated these experiences on a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent).
Most survey participants identified as women or female (90%), predominantly residing in New South Wales (44.7%), Victoria (17.5%), or Queensland (16.5%). Respondents reported diverse and multiple disabilities, including:
Physical disabilities (68.7%)
Neurodivergence (45.5%)
Psychosocial disabilities (38.4%)
Sensory disabilities (36.4%)
Intellectual disabilities (5.1%)
Other disabilities (10.1%)
The findings highlight concerning experiences:
Average rating for general healthcare experiences: 4.6/10
Average rating for mental healthcare experiences: 4.1/10
Alarmingly, only 11.5% rated their general healthcare experiences as good or excellent (8 or above), and just 9.6% rated mental healthcare positively.
Respondents also shared critical areas for improvement in healthcare delivery.
Health professionals working with people with disabilities need to prioritise training and awareness in the following areas:
Awareness of Biases and Beliefs (84.6%) – Recognising and addressing personal biases and stereotypes about disability.
Identifying Negative Assumptions (81.7%) – Understanding implicit biases negatively impacting patient care.
Service Delivery Flexibility (78.8%) – Adapting healthcare delivery methods to accommodate diverse needs.
Continual Professional Development (76.9%) – Engaging in ongoing learning about disability-related issues.
Knowledge of Disability Types (75%) – Understanding specific needs related to different disabilities.
Effective Communication Strategies (71.2%) – Learning varied communication techniques suitable for people with disabilities.
Neurodiversity Affirming Practices (67.3%) – Implementing approaches that respect and affirm neurodivergent identities.
What Professionals Can Do
Health professionals are encouraged to examine their own attitudes and beliefs regarding disability, considering how these influence their interactions and treatment strategies.
Reflecting on personal and professional experiences, language used during interactions, and assumptions about people with disability can significantly enhance service quality.
For those interested in exploring how to adopt inclusive, evidence-based strategies, our professional development program "Know Your Bias – Working with Clients with Disabilities" offers comprehensive training.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Health of people with disability. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/health-of-people-with-disability
Antonopoulos, C. R., Sugden, N., & Saliba, A. (2023). Implicit bias toward people with disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rehabilitation Psychology, 68(2), 121–134. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000493