Safety Measures on Patients with Disabilities Patient safety is an important healthcare concept. It ensures that people are provided with quality care to improve their health and quality of life. Nurses use safe and high-quality interventions to reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases and developing complications. Care providers collaborate with other healthcare parties to achieve the required levels of patient safety and care quality. These professionals involve patients in the care process to improve their ability to self-care. Problems, however, arise when dealing with disabled persons.
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Disabled persons experience physical, psychological and emotional challenges in healthcare search. These challenges prevent them from participating in self-care activities effectively (Vincent & Amalberti, 2016). Studies show that people with disabilities have an increased risk of contracting diseases and poor health outcomes (CDC, 2021). These people also report inadequate healthcare access, discrimination in the health care system, and poor financial support. A negative societal attitude towards disabled persons contributes to most of the problems facing this population. Society views these people as a burden hence does not provide the support necessary to improve their lives (CDC, 2021). Transportation is also a huge challenge for disabled persons. This paper explores safety measures necessary to improve the health and quality of life of patients with disabilities. Safety Issues Facing Disabled Persons in Healthcare Settings Almost every person experiences some form of challenge in search of healthcare services. However, for people with disabilities, the challenges are frequent and have profound effects (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019). Notably, the healthcare environment has undergone numerous transformations to meet the needs of all patient populations. The needs of disabled persons are yet to be addressed adequately. The challenges that face this population at the hospital include the lack of relevant assistive technology, poor physical infrastructure, discrimination, and programmatic challenges. Disabilities that affect hearing, reading and understanding affect healthcare delivery (CDC, 2021). Such persons find it hard to communicate their health problems to the clinicians, let alone understand the prescribed treatment. Individuals that are physically challenged experience problems moving from one department to another. Physical obstacles such as stairs make movements even harder for these people. Such obstacles increase the risk of falls and injuries in the target population (Edelman, Mandle & Kudzma,
2017). Studies show that disabilities have contributed to many people being bedridden. The risk of developing complications such as pressure ulcers is greater in bedridden patients than in other patient populations. Safety Measures and Recommendations The health safety measures for persons with disabilities are aimed at reducing health complications and improving the outcome of care in this population. Healthcare leaders need to develop and implement interventions that can address most of the challenges facing disabled people. These interventions include policy development to ensure care delivery is performed per the established rules and regulations, physical restructuring, improving the transition of care, and developing appropriate treatment plans. Policies help eradicate laxity and attitudinal barriers that affect care delivery to the disabled. Relevant policies ensure that disabled patients are allowed to participate in the care process. Policies increase access to services, programs, opportunities and benefits relevant to disabled people (Vincent & Amalberti, 2016). The nurse leader should implement a pressure ulcers and infections prevention protocol to ensure bedridden disabled persons are not subjected to the risk of complications. Evidence shows that physical restructuring of the hospital is a key safety measure (Carayon, 2016). This measure involves removing barriers that hinder movement from one place to another, provision of wheelchairs, walkers, and other supportive equipment (Carayon, 2016). Guard rails and other supportive structures need to be put in place to make it easier for individuals to move from place to place. These supportive structures are essential for preventing patient falls.
The use of interpreters can also improve the safety of disabled people in hospitals. Nurses use professional interpreters when dealing with patients presenting with communication and hearing challenges. Evidence shows that professional interpreters improve compliance with treatment, satisfaction, and care outcomes (Tonkin, 2017). They also reduce the risk of malpractices and adverse effects. Clinicians can also use assistive technology to improve patient safety when dealing with disabled populations. This technology includes computer programs and applications that enhance communication between the care provider and the patient (WHO, 2021). Nurses can also apply assistive technology to improve and maintain the functioning and independence of a person besides preventing secondary health conditions. Conclusion Patient safety is paramount in the care of disabled persons. It ensures improved health outcomes and supports functionality. The healthcare challenges facing disabled persons include discrimination, immobility, language and attitudinal barriers. These people also have a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers, infections, and falls. The use of safe interventions helps reduce the risk of health deterioration. The key safety measures applicable to the care of persons with disabilities include assistive technology, physical restructuring of the hospital, the use of interpreters and new policy development. Policies help create an environment typified by compliance with the established regulations.
References Carayon, P. (Ed.). (2016). Handbook of human factors and ergonomics in health care and patient safety. CRC press. CDC (2021). Disability and Health Promotion. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-barriers.html Edelman, C. L., Mandle, C. L., & Kudzma, E. C. (2017). Health promotion throughout the life span-e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences. Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2019). Public health nursing e-book: Population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier Health Sciences. Tonkin, E. (2017). The importance of medical interpreters. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal, 12(08), 13-13. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2017.120806 Vincent, C., & Amalberti, R. (2016). Safer healthcare: strategies for the real world (p. 157). Springer Nature. WHO (2021) Assistive devices and technologies. https://www.who.int/disabilities/technology/en/