A critical narrative literature review on current practices of disability inclusion within healthcare education teaching and learning contexts

The development and implementation of a wider vision and culture at the University that promotes equality and values diversity, and inclusion is not only a legal requirement, but also of societal benefit, and aligns with the University’s ethos. Nevertheless, Higher Education institutions continue to be accused of ableism and exclusion of disabled staff and students. Such issues echo through the various teaching and learning contexts within HE, to include healthcare education contexts. This poses the question, how well versed are HE practitioners and institutions in supporting learners with disabilities? The evidence to support that healthcare students are not adequately trained to effectively utilise communication resources and meet the needs of disabled patients is well documented. This needs to be improved to better care quality and reduce health inequalities. This critical review on current practices of disability inclusion and accessibility within healthcare teaching and learning contexts explores this issue through narrative evidence synthesis and reflection. This review defines the problem of inclusion and accessibility for disabled staff and students, drawing on the author’s context of practice, which is being that of a disabled educator of healthcare curricula. This is achieved through drawing on examples of common disabilities to illustrate ongoing areas for reform which are applicable to both HE and healthcare contexts, to include support for persons who are blind, deaf, or have learning disabilities. This review is juxtaposed with pedagogical evidence and consideration of the wider education context, analysis of institutional data, and external factors in Higher Education. The review concludes that through continual reflection, development, and improvement, Higher Education can be better enabled to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals on disability inclusion and accessibility to be accessible to all.