Cross-sectional analysis of disability education in American Medical Schools

Greater than 25% of the American population has a disability. The demand for disability-informed physicians underscores the need to better prepare physicians to care for patients with disabilities. This study presents findings from three Qualtrics survey studies that investigated (1) medical students' exposure to patients with disabilities while on clinical rotations at Western University of Health Sciences, (2) students' perceived preparedness to care for patients with disabilities nationwide, and (3) the effectiveness of Special Olympics online modules to teach students about caring for patients with disabilities. Descriptive analysis from these studies together indicated that medical students did not feel prepared to care for patients with disabilities. To remedy this, Special Olympics online modules for healthcare professionals were found to effectively enhance student physician training. These findings highlight a critical need for improved medical training to prepare the next generation of physicians to care for patients with disabilities, while outlining a possible educational tool that could be incorporated into medical school curriculum.