Implementation of a Policy for Accommodations for Physicians With Disabilities.

Abstract

Abstract: Although physicians with disabilities are underrepresented in medicine, their lived experiences of disability can increase empathy for patients, enrich the learning environment, and improve working conditions. However, they face barriers related to procedures, policies, clinical accommodations, disability and wellness support services, and physical environments as well as cultural barriers that affect their meaningful inclusion and ability to work at their full capacity. Despite national Canadian physician organizations recommending accommodations and inclusive policies and practices, an environmental scan of the top 10 ranked Canadian hospital institutions in April-May 2020 did not identify any existing accommodations policies.The Medical Advisory Committee and senior management team at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) formally endorsed the first position statement in Canada supporting physicians with disabilities in 2021, which led to the establishment of a process to develop and implement an accessibility and accommodations policy for the Department of Medicine (DOM) at TOH. After careful review and an iterative development process, the DOM approved a formal Accessibility and Accommodations Policy in June 2022. The policy ensures physicians are accommodated during the recruitment, interview, and appointment phases. It outlines a process for the development of an accommodation plan, addresses funding for accommodations, protects physicians returning to work following absences due to a disability, and requires exploration of opportunities for physicians to make a meaningful contribution if they cannot practice clinically due to their disability.In this article, the authors discuss the process of developing and implementing the DOM Accessibility and Accommodations Policy, outline the key elements of the policy, discuss broader implementation of the policy, and how they are monitoring its impact. They also discuss the importance and benefits of collecting data on physicians who self-identify as having a disability and, through confidential surveys, focus groups, and interviews, monitoring the impact of accessibility and accommodations policies.