Professionalism and disabled clinicians: the client's perspective. Issue 7 (8th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jarus, Tal; Bezati, Roberta; Trivett, Sacha; Lee, Michael; Bulk, Laura Yvonne; Battalova, Alfiya; Mayer, Yael; Murphy, Susan; Gerber, Patricia; Drynan, Donna
• Is Part Of: Disability & society. Volume 35:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1085
• Page End: 1102
• Publication Date: 2020-08-08
• Subjects: Professionalism -- disability -- client perspective -- client-centered practice -- disclosure -- essential competencies; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Special education -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2019.1669436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7599

Abstract

Abstract: Disabled individuals are significantly underrepresented as care providers within the healthcare system. One of the institutional barriers are professional competencies established from an ableist viewpoint. We investigated the client's perspectives on the professionalism of disabled clinicians. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with twenty-seven disabled and non-disabled participants. Participants were asked about their expectations and perceptions of professionalism from disabled clinicians. Three themes were identified: Positive impacts - highlighting the benefits of having disabled clinicians; As long as… - suggesting that professionalism should not be impacted provided that certain criteria are met; and to disclosure or not to disclose - providing rationale for and against disclosure of a disability to a client. Results challenge ableist beliefs about what constitutes professional behaviour and suggest that health professions should adopt a non-ableist appreciation for the contributions of disabled clinicians and foster the inclusion of disabled clinicians.