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Final Program


Final Program

331 - The Next Generation: How do medical students feel about providing care for patients with disabilities?

Friday, February 28, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

    Presenting Author(s)

  • TM

    Tegan M. Morcott, BA

    Medical Student
    Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • SP

    So Hyeon Park, MBBS

    Medical Student
    Chicago Medical School
    North chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • NP

    Nihal Paidipelly, BS

    Medical Student
    Chicago Medical School
    North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Objectives: Training future physicians to provide compassionate, competent care for people with disabilities (PWD) is essential in addressing the healthcare disparities faced by this underserved population. Through use of an anonymous online survey distributed throughout a Chicago-based medical school, this study aimed to explore the preparedness and perspectives of medical students regarding the care of PWD.

Design: We used an anonymous online survey distributed through the 4 years of medical students at a Chicago based medical school. In order to gauge experience and opinions, the survey contained several yes and no questions regarding time spent with PWD, and also included a series of statements students were asked to flag if they felt it represented their own feelings towards caring for PWD.

Results: The survey revealed that 46.2% of respondents had three or less experiences with PWD while 53.8% had three or more. When assessing comfort levels,12.8% of respondents were “uncomfortable” caring for PWD while 23.1% were “very comfortable.” Notably, 35.9% were “nervous to say the wrong thing,” 38.5% were “nervous to offend someone,” and 17.9% were “overwhelmed by how it would complicate care.” Students with prior experience working with PWD reported that their direct experience increased their confidence as a result. Although 71.8% of respondents had participated in disability awareness and inclusion training, 82.1% of respondents expressed a need for additional training. Furthermore, 100% of respondents indicated interest in working with PWD in their future practice.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight that, while medical students are committed to practicing inclusivity, many experience hesitation and anxiety when it comes to effectively caring for PWD. Increased education and exposure to people with a diverse range of disabilities can significantly enhance students’ confidence and ability to provide equitable, comprehensive care as they transition into their medical careers.