Attitudes of healthcare professionals towards persons with disabilities: a systematic review (2015-2025)

The attitudes of healthcare professionals towards persons with disabilities are a key determinant of the quality, accessibility, and equality of healthcare. Despite increasing recognition of ableism in healthcare, systematic reviews that synthesise these attitudes across medical professions remain scarce. This systematic review aimed to examine healthcare professionals' attitudes towards persons with various types of disability, including intellectual disability, physical disability, and disability in general, defined as disability without specification of type, and to identify factors associated with these attitudes.

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ERIC, and ProQuest) were systematically searched for English-language studies published from January 2015 to February 2025. Supplementary backward and forward citation searching continued until May 2025. After duplicate removal, 1,690 records were screened. Study selection was completed in May 2025, resulting in the inclusion of 27 studies, most of which were cross-sectional and of good overall quality. Quantitative and mixed-methods studies were included. Data were synthesised narratively, taking into account professional groups, countries, clinical contexts, and final disability categories: intellectual disability, physical/sensory disabilities, and disability in general. Reporting quality and risk of bias were assessed using the STROBE-M checklist.

Across the 27 included studies, overall attitudes were moderately positive but varied substantially. The greatest challenges were observed in relation to intellectual disabilities, where ambivalence, paternalistic attitudes, and the undermining of patients' competence were more frequently reported. The key predictors of positive attitudes included previous professional experience, the quality of contact with persons with disabilities, and formal training in disability-related issues. Marked differences were identified between countries and professional groups, highlighting the role of cultural context and systemic preparation.

The findings underscore the need for contact-based educational interventions, the development of clear policy standards to counter ableism, and further research into implicit bias in healthcare settings. Implementing these measures may enhance the quality and inclusiveness of care provided to persons with disabilities. The evidence is limited by the predominance of self-reported measures and the use of author-developed questionnaires in some studies.

No external funding.

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