Ableism in the Healthcare Professions

Objective(s)To systematically explore the experiences and impact of workplace discrimination and ableism among healthcare providers and trainees with disabilities.Data SourcesSystematic searches of seven databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, Healthstar, PsychInfo, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science) were conducted.Study SelectionInclusion criteria involved: a sample of healthcare providers or trainees with a disability, an empirical study with an outcome related to discrimination or ableism, published in a peer-reviewed journal from 2000-2021 (without language restrictions). Five reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria and rated the study quality.Data ExtractionData were extracted by the first author using a standardized template that aligned with our research objective. Four additional authors reviewed the data table for accuracy.Data SynthesisStudies were analyzed following the guidelines for narrative synthesis. Forty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria, representing 13,815 participants across six countries over a 21-year period. The findings highlighted rates and types of workplace ableism, which occurred at the institutional (i.e., inaccessible environments, physical barriers and unsupportive work environments) and individual-level (i.e., negative attitudes, bullying, harassment). The impact of ableism on healthcare providers included difficulty disclosing their condition due to fear of stigma, and effects on well-being and career development.ConclusionsOur findings revealed a critical need for more research on the experiences of ableism amongst healthcare providers and the impact it has on their well-being. Further efforts should explore mechanisms for including and welcoming people with disabilities in healthcare professions.Author(s) DisclosuresNone.