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https://theconversation.com/1-in-6-new-zealanders-is-disabled-why-does-so-much-health-research-still-exclude-them-254280>
"Disabled people encounter all kinds of barriers to accessing healthcare – and
not simply because some face significant mobility challenges.
Others will see their symptoms not investigated properly because it’s assumed a
problem is related to their disability rather than another medical condition.
Or they will have decisions made for them rather than with them.
This often means they experience worse – and avoidable – outcomes compared to
others. But despite this, health research – which is meant to reduce these
disparities – frequently excludes disabled people.
For instance, a 2023 global review of 2,710 clinical trials found 35% reported
excluding disabled individuals specifically. Researchers sometimes assume
(without a good ethical or scientific reason) that disabled people can’t give
consent, don’t meet the study criteria, or will struggle to follow instructions
and collaborate.
Even when researchers are more inclusive, their plans can fail to account for
the difficulties disabled people face with travel, communication and physical
access. All of which makes it harder for them to participate.
This creates a vicious circle. Health research is vital for shaping the
policies, treatments and community interventions that underpin modern
healthcare. However, for disabled people, who make up one-sixth of the national
and global population, too much research does not reflect their experiences and
needs."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
