The COVID-19 pandemic shows us how important healthcare is for every person in Ontario and around the world. In addition, the pandemic has emphasized the many barriers that already exist in the Ontario healthcare system for patients with disabilities. AODA healthcare standards could prevent and remove these barriers, and ensure that all Ontarians access the care they need. For instance, AODA guidelines for accessible remote healthcare could prevent or remove some of the barriers Ontario patients face.
Accessible Remote Healthcare
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients are accessing healthcare remotely, to reduce close contact with others. For instance, doctors may consult with patients by phone or video-conference. Likewise, patients may consult a doctor or nurse remotely to determine whether they should seek in-person care. Similarly, pharmacies can deliver prescriptions, and offer any important information about them, in a physically distanced way.
Before the pandemic, many people with disabilities may have used these remote options for accessing their healthcare. For instance, someone may opt for remote healthcare if:
- Travelling to appointments is strenuous or time-consuming
- Locations are not physically accessible
Now, more healthcare organizations may offer remote options, to meet the increased demands for these services from patients of all abilities. Therefore, as these organizations begin or continue offering care at a distance, they should ensure that this care is accessible.
Guidelines to Ensure Accessibility of Remote Healthcare
AODA healthcare standards could include many guidelines to support healthcare workers in meeting patients’ accessibility needs remotely. For example, standards could require that healthcare organizations offer multiple ways to communicate with patients. For instance, patients may need to contact their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist:
- By phone, including:
- With speech-to-speech relay service
- By video-conference, using:
- Sign language interpretation, with the patient and interpreter in different locations
- Speechreading
- A communication device
- By email or text
Guidelines could require healthcare organizations to notify the public about which appointment options they could offer. Then, patients could choose the appointment option that would work best for them.
In addition, AODA guidelines could require all online platforms for remote appointments to be compatible with assistive technologies. For instance, patients may access video-conferences or secure email systems for their healthcare using accessible hardware or software such as:
- Large monitors and/or screen magnification
- Screen readers and Braille displays
- Speech recognition
- Input devices other than traditional mice, including:
- Keyboard commands
- Trackballs
- Touch pads or touch screens
- Light pens
- Joysticks
- Head pointers
- Mouth sticks
If healthcare organizations use accessible web platforms for their remote appointments and consultations, more patients can benefit from remote healthcare.