Disability-competence training influences health care providers’ conceptualizations of disability: An evaluation study

BackgroundOften, health care providers’ approach to people with disabilities is grounded in a medical model perspective. This view highlights individual deficits and does not foster patient-centeredness. Learning about and adopting a more social model, focused on creating accessible and inclusive approaches and environments, could help providers to reshape their attitudes about disability, dismantling barriers to care.ObjectiveThis study used innovative methods to evaluate a recorded, online disability-competence training for health care providers. It was hypothesized that the training would 1) shift providers’ conceptualizations of disability away from a medical model view toward a social model view of disability and 2) equip providers with actionable strategies to improve access to care for people with disabilities.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative evaluation data were analyzed for n = 192 training participants. Measures included participants’ pre- and post-training conceptualizations of disability, proposed actions steps to facilitate patient-centered care, and measures of satisfaction and self-assessed knowledge gain.ResultsBoth hypotheses were supported. After the training, participants’ conceptualizations of disability were more reflective of the social model, and participants were better able to articulate specific action steps they could take to promote accessible, responsive care.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that health care provider training can positively affect providers’ knowledge, outlook, and approach to caring for people with disabilities. Its findings can inform broader efforts aimed at systematically changing the way health professionals are educated and trained to provide care in disability-competent ways.     

Health information seeking by women with physical disabilities: A qualitative analysis

BackgroundHealth information seeking is critical to medical decision-making and optimal health. Although researchers have begun to explore how people with disabilities search for health information, no studies have investigated health information seeking by women with physical disabilities.ObjectiveThe purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the health information seeking experiences of women with physical disabilities.MethodWe conducted a series of semi-structured, online focus group meetings with 21 women with disabilities. Sessions were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.ResultsTwo broad themes emerged: 1) pathways to information on general health; sexual and reproductive health; as well as bowel, bladder, and other pelvic health issues; and 2) perceived facilitators and barriers to obtaining health information. Information pathways differed by the type of information sought. Internet was a commonly used resource, with a high value placed on social media interaction among peers. Self-advocacy emerged as a prominent facilitator of health information seeking. Barriers identified were lack of disability-related education, limited accessibility, and providers’ negative attitudes.ConclusionThis is the first known in-depth qualitative exploration of health information seeking by women with disabilities. Study findings revealed pathways to information commonly used by women with disabilities. The study also identified notable gaps and challenges to health information seeking including the need for improved provider education and training. Findings highlight the importance of the availability and accessibility of high quality, health-related information essential for the health and well-being of women with disabilities.     

New Mexico Sponsors Identify Time and Money as Factors Affecting Home-Based Provider Child and Adult Care Food Program Engagement

ObjectiveDescribe Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsor perspectives on barriers and facilitators to home-based provider CACFP eligibility, enrollment, and participation and ways to improve provider support.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 11 New Mexico CACFP sponsor staff representing 9 out of 13 agencies (69% response rate) from August to September, 2020. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with an essentialist/realist epistemological approach.ResultsSponsor-perceived barriers to provider CACFP: eligibility (costs, background checks, fear/stigma, and delays in becoming state-approved providers); enrollment (lack of translated/low-literacy materials and cumulative systems requirements); and participation (challenges maintaining qualifying menus and documentation and accessing qualifying food, inadequate reimbursements, and unannounced visits). Sponsors suggested systems changes to improve provider support (eg, more assistance with becoming state-approved and for start-up costs and accessible, progressive nutrition training opportunities).Conclusions and ImplicationsSponsors noted CACFP barriers for home-based providers and identified corresponding systems changes that could be tested.     

Challenges with Delivering Gender-Specific and Comprehensive Primary Care to Women Veterans

BackgroundThe growing presence of women veterans in Veterans Administration (VA) settings has prompted the need for greater attention to clinical proficiency related to women's health (WH) primary care needs. Instead of making appointments for multiple visits or referring patients to a WH clinic or alternate site for gender-specific care, a comprehensive primary care model now allows for women veteran patients be seen by primary care providers (PCPs) who have WH training/experience and can see patients for both primary and WH care in the context of a single visit. However, little is currently known about the barriers and facilitators WH-PCPs face in using this approach to incorporate gender-specific services into women veterans' primary care services.MethodsWe conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 22 WH-PCPs at one Midwestern VA Medical Center. All participants were members of one of four outpatient primary care clinics within the main medical center, one off-site satellite clinic, or two off-site community-based outpatient clinics.ResultsInductive thematic analysis identified six themes: 1) Time constraints, 2) importance of staff support, 3) necessity of sufficient space and equipment/supplies, 4) perceptions of discomfort among patients with trauma histories, 5) lack of education/training, and 6) challenges with scheduling/logistics.ConclusionAlthough adequate staff was a key facilitator, the findings suggest that there may be barriers that undermine the ability of VA WH-PCPs to provide high-quality, comprehensive primary and gender-specific care. The nature of these barriers is multifactorial and multilevel in nature, and may therefore require special policy and practice action.     

Patient–Provider Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Communication among Young Adult Sexual Minority Cisgender Women and Nonbinary Assigned Female at Birth Individuals

BackgroundHealth care providers are an important source of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention information for young adult sexual minority women (SMW). However, very few studies have described patient–provider STI communication in this understudied and underserved population. We explore sexual minority women's experiences communicating with health care providers about sexual health, with particular attention to STI prevention, to inform programs and practices that address their unique needs and concerns.MethodsWe conducted 29 in-depth interviews with sexual minority cisgender women and nonbinary assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals aged 18–36 years. The sample included White (55%), Asian (31%), Black (17.2%), and Latina (3.4%) participants. We used thematic analysis with deductive and inductive coding to identify themes related to patient–provider STI prevention communication.ResultsHeteronormative health care provider assumptions inhibited participants' willingness to disclose their sexual orientation and discuss sexual health issues with providers. Most sexual health conversations focused on pregnancy and contraception, which many felt was irrelevant to them, and limited STI prevention recommendations to condom use. Participants reported that some providers lacked medical knowledge on AFAB-to-AFAB STI transmission and were not able to provide relevant STI prevention information. Providers' bias related to gender identity and race/ethnicity furthered some participants' mistrust generated from providers’ heteronormative assumptions.ConclusionsOur study describes several barriers that AFAB sexual minorities felt inhibited their patient–provider sexual health communication. Interventions are needed to improve patient–provider STI prevention conversations with AFAB sexual minorities so they can access the sexual health information they need to effectively protect themselves from STIs.     

Determinants of maternal immunization in developing countries

BackgroundMaternal immunization is an effective intervention to protect newborns and young infants from infections when their immune response is immature. Tetanus toxoid vaccination of pregnant women is the most widely implemented maternal vaccine in developing countries where neonatal mortality is the highest. We identified barriers to maternal tetanus vaccination in developing African and Asian countries to identify means of improving maternal immunization platforms in these countries.MethodWe categorized barriers into health system, health care provider and patient barriers to maternal tetanus immunization and conducted a literature review on each category. Due to limited literature from Africa, we conducted a pilot survey of health care providers in Malawi on barriers they experience in immunizing pregnant women.ResultsThe major barriers of the health system are due to inadequate financial and human resources which translate to inadequate vaccination services delivery and logistics management. Health care providers are limited by poor attendance of Antenatal Care and inadequate knowledge on vaccinating pregnant women. Patient barriers are due to lack of education and knowledge on pregnancy immunization and socioeconomic factors such as low income and high parity.ConclusionThere are several factors that affect maternal tetanus immunization. Increasing knowledge in health care providers and patients, increasing antenatal care attendance and outreach activities will aid the uptake of maternal immunization. Health system barriers are more difficult to address requiring an improvement of overall immunization services. Further analyses of maternal immunization specific barriers and the means of addressing them are required to strengthen the existing program and provide a more efficient delivery system for additional maternal vaccines.     

Pregnancy recommendations from women with intellectual and developmental disabilities to their peers

BackgroundAs recent as the mid-twentieth century, eugenics practices on women with intellectual and developmental disabilities were commonplace. Deinstitutionalization has led to an increasing proportion of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community and becoming pregnant. Previous research has reported barriers to maternal health care (i.e., perceived provider stigma, inadequate communication, stress surrounding child protective services involvement, and financial strain). Research shows that this population is at increased risk of adverse outcomes including preterm delivery, low birth weight babies, and maternal mortality.Objective/hypothesisThis study aimed to explore recommendations from mothers with intellectual and developmental disabilities for other women to potentially improve pregnancy experiences for this population.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured individual interviews among 16 women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Data were coded using a content analysis process and iteratively analyzed using inductive and deductive techniques to determine emergent themes.ResultsParticipants offered recommendations for navigating pregnancy to their peers who are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant. Themes included: (1) planning for birth; (2) advocating at the point-of-care; (3) seeking supports and services; (4) interacting with child protective services; (5) communicating with providers; and (6) exhibiting resilience.ConclusionOur study highlights recommendations for improving pregnancy experiences of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Informed by the lived pregnancy experiences of our participants, these recommendations can inform clinician training, new guidelines, and services to support and improve pregnancy experiences for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities.     

The Focus They Deserve: Improving Women Veterans’ Health Care Access

PurposeVeterans Health Administration (VHA) initiatives aim to provide veterans timely access to quality health care. The focus of this analysis was provider and staff perspectives on women veterans' access in the context of national efforts to improve veterans’ access to care.MethodsWe completed 21 site visits at Veterans Health Administration medical facilities to evaluate the implementation of a national access initiative. Qualitative data collection included semistructured interviews (n = 127), focus groups (n = 81), and observations with local leadership, administrators, providers, and support staff across primary and specialty care services at each facility. Deductive and inductive content analysis was used to identify barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors affecting implementation of initiatives and women veterans’ access.ResultsParticipants identified barriers to women veterans' access and strategies used to improve access. Barriers included a limited availability of providers trained in women's health and gender-specific care services (e.g., women's specialty care), inefficient referral and coordination with community providers, and psychosocial factors (e.g., childcare). Participants also identified issues related to childcare and perceived harassment in medical facility settings as distinct access issues for women veterans. Strategies focused on increasing internal capacity to provide on-site women's comprehensive care and specialty services by streamlining provider training and credentialing, contracting providers, using telehealth, and improving access to community providers to fill gaps in women's services. Participants also highlighted efforts to improve gender-sensitive care delivery.ConclusionsAlthough some issues affect all veterans, problems with community care referrals may disproportionately affect women veterans’ access owing to a necessary reliance on community care for a range of gender-specific services.     

Provider Perspectives of Barriers to Contraceptive Access and Use among Women with Substance Use Disorders

ObjectivesPrevious studies conducted from the patient perspective indicate that women with substance use disorders (SUDs) experience extensive barriers to contraceptive access and use (CAU), but there is limited research investigating this topic from the provider perspective. We explored provider perspectives on the barriers to CAU for women with SUDs. As a secondary objective, we highlighted provider contraceptive counseling strategies to address patient CAU barriers.MethodsWe conducted 24 qualitative interviews with a purposeful sample of women's health providers, including medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives. We used thematic analysis to code the interviews with inductive codes and organized findings according to levels of influence within the Dahlgren and Whitehead rainbow model, a socioecological model of health.ResultsProvider-reported barriers to CAU were identified at four levels of socioecological influence and included reproductive misconceptions; active substance use; trauma, interpersonal violence, and reproductive coercion; limited social support; lack of housing, employment, health insurance, and transportation; stigma; discrimination; and punitive prenatal substance use policies and child welfare reporting requirements. Strategies for addressing CAU barriers mainly focused on patient-centered communication, including open information exchange, shared decision-making, and relationship building. However, providers described disproportionately highlighting the benefits of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and directing conversations toward LARC when they perceived that such methods would help patients to overcome adherence and other challenges related to active substance use or logistical barriers. Notably, there was no mention of CAU facilitators during the interviews.ConclusionsProviders perceived that women with SUDs experience a range of CAU barriers, which they addressed within the clinical setting through use of both patient-centered communication and highlighting the benefits of LARC when they perceived that such methods would help clients to overcome barriers. Improving CAU for women with SUDs will require multidisciplinary, multipronged strategies that prioritize reproductive autonomy and are implemented across clinical, community, and policy settings.     

Maternal healthcare for women with physical disabilities in Northern Vietnam: perspectives of healthcare providers

BackgroundPregnancy among women with physical disabilities is common around the world; however, there are limited qualitative studies that explore the perspectives of healthcare providers toward pregnant women with disabilities outside of the Global North.ObjectiveThis article explores perspectives and experiences of maternal healthcare providers in the delivery of services to women with physical disabilities in Northern Vietnam.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 healthcare providers who worked in public and/or private healthcare North Vietnamese facilities where maternal services were provided. Data were thematically analyzed.ResultsThe participants included six males and eight females. Ten were obstetricians/gynecologists, one was a doctor specializing in obstetric imaging diagnosis, three were midwives, and one was a midwife/assistant doctor. Four themes were identified. In the first theme, providers attached provisos to the right to motherhood including the view that the women were limited to one child and should undergo prenatal screenings for fetal abnormalities. In the second theme, the providers reported that disability was not incorporated into their education; this led to half of them lacking confidence in providing appropriate maternal healthcare services for women with physical disabilities. The third theme found that although women with physical disabilities were considered as a priority group, decisions around who was seen before others or provided with fee discount/exemption were left in the hands of staff. The fourth theme identified that some providers overlooked their needs for physical accessibility and independence.ConclusionThis study shows that maternal healthcare providers in Vietnam discounted the needs of women with physical disabilities. The needs of women with disabilities should be included in the training of maternal healthcare providers in Vietnam.     

Development of a new pregnancy informational and decisional needs survey for women with physical disabilities

BackgroundWhile the literature on pregnancy and disability is growing, generating important knowledge of barriers to care and health risks, there is limited literature on pregnancy decision-making and informational needs. Such knowledge is critical for the development of interventions to mitigate the challenges women with disabilities and health care providers face in making this important decision.Objective/Hypothesis: Develop a survey of pregnancy decisional and informational needs of women with physical disabilities.MethodsWe developed a conceptual framework that guided item writing, defined the characteristics of the target population, engaged stakeholders with disabilities to collaborate with investigators, and tested the interpretability and relevance of items, and preferred mode of responding (online vs. telephone). A total of 123 women participated in cognitive interviews (N = 13), mode testing (N = 10), or survey data collection (N = 114).ResultsInstructions, three screening questions, and 156 items were tested in one round of 17 cognitive interviews; 25 items were deleted, 94 were revised, and 37 items were retained without changes. The final version of the survey included six sub-sections: the experience of making a decision; information about pregnancy and disability; things affecting a decision; knowing what is important; support for making a decision; and working with health care providers.ConclusionsThe overall performance of the survey supported its content validity and utility as a useful way to gather information about the pregnancy decision-making experience and informational needs of women with physical disabilities.     

Primary Care Providers' Perspectives on Providing Care to Women Veterans with Histories of Sexual Trauma

BackgroundOne in four women Veterans who use the Veterans Health Administration (VA) screen positive for military sexual trauma and may need trauma-sensitive care and coordination. VA primary care providers (PCPs), women veterans' main source of care, need to be well-versed in trauma-sensitive approaches to care. Women veterans' numerical minority in the VA can make provider exposure to female patients inconsistent, which may impede PCP experience in providing appropriate care. To inform strategies for improving trauma-sensitive primary care, we sought to better understand PCPs’ current approaches to providing care to women veterans with sexual trauma histories.MethodsWe conducted semistructured telephone interviews with PCPs (n = 28) practicing in VA primary care clinics. Participants were asked about their experiences delivering trauma-sensitive care as well as best practices. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for major themes regarding barriers to and facilitators of trauma-sensitive care.ResultsParticipants expressed challenges delivering care to women with sexual trauma histories, including 1) insufficient time, 2) lack of perceived proficiency and/or personal comfort (with general physical examinations as well as gender-specific care such as Pap, breast, and pelvic examinations), and 3) difficulties with fostering positive patient–provider relationships. Access to mental health resources was noted as a key facilitator of providing trauma-sensitive care. Participants also shared existing (and potential) best practices and recommendations, such as paying special attention to patient behavioral cues related to comfort.ConclusionsPCPs delivering care to women in VA facilities may benefit from an increased awareness of best practices to facilitate the delivery of trauma-sensitive care.