Accessible Health Care: More Than Just Getting Through the Door

Abstract

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: Access to health care requires more than mere access to a health care facility. It requires access to medical equipment and devices. Currently, many older adults and people with disabilities have difficulty accessing medical equipment, including examination chairs and tables, weight scales, and exercise and rehabilitation equipment. This article outlines the problem and its consequences for patients and describes the ergonomics requirements that must be met to ensure accessibility of this equipment for all patients.

Keywords

medical devices disabilities medical equipment accessibility design requirements

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