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, support for patients and healthcare workers with breathing disorders could prevent or remove some of the barriers Ontario patients face.
Support for Patients and Healthcare Workers with Breathing Disorders
More people may develop disabilities as a result of COVID-19, including breathing disorders. Therefore, more AODA guidelines governing the healthcare system would better support the growing number of patients with these disabilities.
For instance, AODA healthcare standards could include requirements to increase the number of professionals qualified to support patients in managing their conditions. For example, some of these professionals include:
- Respiratory therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Nutritionists
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Technologists
Government could partner with other sectors to develop more training programs in these fields. Campaigns could increase public awareness about the need for these professionals, so that more people would follow these career paths.
Likewise, people who have newly acquired breathing disorders could also benefit from peer support programs. These programs could connect newly diagnosed patients with other people living with similar disorders, for practical and emotional support.
More Support for Patients and Healthcare Workers with Breathing Disorders
In addition, AODA healthcare standards could require more training about breathing disorders for healthcare workers, such as:
- Family doctors
- Nurses
- Staff of walk-in clinics
- Lab technicians
- Pharmacists
This basic training would prepare these workers to interact with a variety of patients and meet their needs. For example, some patients with breathing disorders may use assistive devices, such as oxygen tanks or wheelchairs. Alternatively, other patients may not use any assistive devices, but have difficulty walking long distances. In other words, these patients’ disabilities are invisible. Moreover, training could prepare staff to make oxygen available throughout the hospital for patients who need it.
Furthermore, more accessible healthcare spaces would better serve patients who have gained physical disabilities, including breathing disorders. For instance, accessible parking spaces should be as close as possible to hospital entrances. In this way, people who cannot walk long distances can easily enter hospitals. Likewise, wards treating out-patients with these disorders should also be near entrances. As a result, patients could access their treatments without fatigue or breathlessness. Similarly, smoking areas should be farther away from these entrances, so that patients will not breathe in smoke.
Finally, all these improvements to the healthcare system would also benefit healthcare workers with disabilities, including breathing disorders. It is vital that Ontario should develop a healthcare system equipped to support both patients and healthcare workers who have breathing disorders.