HealthyME HealthyU^©2010UCPGB: A Collaborative Project to Enhance Access to Health Information and Services for Individuals With Disabilities

Abstract

In response to the limited information about health information and training needs among persons with disabilities, a collaborative group of Alabama researchers, educators, and clinicians was formed to implement a statewide needs assessment with support provided by the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Educational and assessment activities were guided by the Systems Model of Clinical Preventive Care and Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) methodology. Four constructs from the 2007 HINTS Annotated Version were identified as relevant to the concepts of local interest. Results of printed and online surveys administered to 251 family and other caregivers, 87 individuals with disabilities, 110 clinical service providers, and 570 health professions students revealed outstanding health communication needs to improve access to reliable consumer information and clinical services. HealthyME HealthyU^©2010UCPGB developed new educational materials that address issues identified from the needs assessment, specifically (a) accessibility of health care facilities; (b) patient–provider communication; (c) personal health management by consumers and families/caregivers; and (d) sources of trustworthy electronic health information. Six brief digital video training modules were developed for consumers, families, and professionals featuring as speakers health care providers, health professions students, and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Following field testing, video modules were revised and then widely distributed to consumers, family caregivers, and service providers. Preliminary evaluation indicates content is relevant and comprehensible to individuals with disabilities.

Acknowledgments

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) and the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under contract no. N01-LM-63502 with the University of Maryland Baltimore. Additional support was provided by the Healthy Athletes Program of Special Olympics North America. These contents do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the funders.

Notes

Each cell contains the number of final items included in the HealthyME HealthyU^©2010UCPGBneeds assessment survey. The table describes the relevant construct, source of the relevant construct, and specific audience for each HealthyME HealthyU^©2010UCPGB survey item.