JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

People with disabilities are a priority population for health services research. People who are blind/low vision (B/LV) are a segment of this priority population, who experience difficulty to accessing healthcare facilities due to architectural and navigational barriers. These barriers persist despite disability civil rights law in the U.S.

Objective:

The purpose of this manuscript is to report on a program that was developed to train way finders in human guide technique for people who are B/LV.

Methods:

This study took place at Michigan Medicine, an academic medical center in southeast Michigan. We conducted a needs assessment through cohort discovery and soliciting expert feedback. The human guide training program was developed using the PRECEDE-PROEED health promotion program development model, and targeted healthcare volunteers and staff. The intended components included in-person training, an online module, and tip sheets. Due to COVID-19, the in-person training was not implemented. We report findings from a process evaluation, measuring reach, knowledge, behavioral capability, and satisfaction pre- and post-program.

Results:

87 participants completed the training, most of them were Michigan Medicine volunteers. There were significant improves in behavioral capability related to human guide technique. Participants were satisfied with the training, and provided recommendations for more detailed demonstrations and scenarios in future training sessions.

Conclusions:

The training improve participants’ knowledge and confidence in providing wayfinding assistance to patients who are B/LV. However, further in-person training is recommended to provide hands-on experience and detailed feedback. Addressing architectural barriers and providing accessible patient education materials is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility for patients who are B/LV.