Technology and Healthcare: A Disability Perspective

Twenty years ago, managing healthcare as a person with a disability was drastically different than what it is today. As a screen reader user, I vividly remember the stress of rushing to appointments, the uncertainty around health records, and the challenge of relying solely on memory for critical medical details. Even a few years ago, as I entered adulthood, I struggled to maintain control over my healthcare journey.

However, the healthcare landscape has changed dramatically in the last five years. Each new technological adaptation has empowered me to take greater control of my healthcare experience. 

Below, I'll share how technology has transformed four key areas that once presented significant challenges: transportation, scheduling, paperwork, and accessing medical information.

Transportation: More Options Than Ever Before

Transportation is often the first hurdle in accessing healthcare, especially for those who cannot drive. While I once relied heavily on family support, moving away from home forced me to explore other options. 

Now, I have access to three types of transportation schedulers: phone systems, websites, and AI schedulers. AI schedulers deserve a special mention as they can present additional challenges. The technology behind AI schedulers has not been available for long, so it can make errors that may not happen with more tried and tested transportation apps. Some of the errors I have encountered include putting in callback numbers, drop-off addresses, and appointment times. 

Medical facilities can further enhance accessibility by designating staff members as transportation coordinators and creating flexible appointment slots for patients using public transit options. Additionally, creating clear transportation guides for their facilities, partnering with reliable transit services, and offering scheduling assistance through their front desk staff can further improve accessibility.

Scheduling: Apps Change Everything

Managing multiple medical appointments has become significantly more streamlined thanks to technology. Electronic calendars and to-do list apps help prevent double-booking. It's also much easier to schedule appointments in one succinct, well-designed phone application. Text message confirmations have replaced time-consuming phone calls. Patient portals also often allow online booking and email reminders. Most modern scheduling systems work well with screen readers, allowing me to control my schedule. 

From an accessibility standpoint, healthcare businesses can improve accessibility by investing in regular accessibility audits of their scheduling platforms, ensuring their booking systems are compatible with common assistive technologies, and providing staff training on helping patients use these digital tools. These services benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities, by saving time and reducing the number of steps needed to schedule and confirm appointments. 

Digital Documentation: Making Information Accessible

Switching over to an electronic paperwork system is more accessible for individuals with disabilities as they no longer have to ask staff or family for assistance to fill out paperwork. Also, with most electronic forms that have a set number of options or a yes-no format, the electronic paperwork systems reduce the margins for error because patients cannot write in an option that is not available. 

Furthermore, it is a lot easier for people to understand these systems with a set of clear instructions. This reduces the amount of paperwork that needs to be reviewed due to unclear answers or handwriting that is difficult to understand. 

Medical facilities should design their electronic forms with autosave features, progress indicators, and the ability to save and return later. They should also maintain trained staff who can assist patients who struggle with digital interfaces. The streamlining of paperwork creates more time in the appointment, making diagnosis and treatment a priority.

Accessing Medical Information: Knowledge Is Power

The most significant improvement in healthcare has been in accessing and understanding medical information. In the past, health records were challenging to access, and remembering doctor prescriptions could be a nightmare. With electronic health records, I can access comprehensive test results on my own terms. Digital treatment plans also allow me to conveniently reference prescription instructions or advice from my doctor. If I have a question, most offices offer secure digital messaging, so I can text my healthcare provider for more information. 

Providers can further enhance accessibility by implementing text-to-speech capabilities in patient portals, creating simplified visual summaries of complex medical information, and establishing regular check-ins to ensure patients understand how to use digital resources.

Looking Forward

Technology’s integration into healthcare has dramatically improved accessibility for people with disabilities. While some challenges remain, the ability to manage transportation, scheduling, paperwork, and medical information independently has transformed the healthcare experience. As technology evolves, I am optimistic about even more significant improvements in healthcare accessibility. In addition to the greater sense of empowerment and independence, I look forward to when my medical records are confidential now that I no longer need help with as many medical tasks.

Remember: If you encounter accessibility challenges, don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and explore alternative solutions. Most medical offices are increasingly aware of accessibility needs and are willing to work with patients to find solutions.