Disability disclosure in healthcare settings for individuals with developmental disabilities: A qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

People with disabilities experience significant healthcare disparities, including missed opportunities for preventive, inaccessible services, and inadequate communication with providers. These challenges often lead to unmet healthcare needs and poor health outcomes. Disability disclosure is one strategy that may aid in closing this healthcare equity gap, though limited research sheds light on patient and caregiver feelings towards and preferences for disclosure.

Objective

This study assessed comfort with and preferences for disability disclosure within healthcare settings among individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, utilizing

SUBMITTER: Falcon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12331114 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature