Inclusive education in Medicine: Awareness health care for persons with disabilities

Abstract

Background: Inclusive higher education aims to transform and improve the competence role of the future doctors in relation to people with disabilities (PwD), a vulnerable and prevalent population group which needs Quality Care to fulfil the right to health. Aim: To analyse and assess the awareness and training received of an experience developed in the School of Medicine related to the comprehensive care for PwD. Method: A before- and after-intervention, with no control group, of 120 students enrolled in the School of Medicine. Results: Students perceive a lack of training on this topic and are aware of their health and social role to reduce inequalities in PwD. The professional knowledge that significantly improved with the intervention are the related with the rights of PwD, risk factors, degree of disability, universal design, positive action measures, and curriculum adaptations. As regards to the competences that must be acquired, the awareness of social and communications skills needed should be noted, as well as the ability to issue medical reports about disability. Conclusion: The training intervention is effective in terms of awareness about the importance of the medical role related to PwD, and consequently, the knowledge and skills needed to achieve a better Health Care are assessed.