RHEC Offers Connecticut General Assembly Options to Improve Imaging for Disabled Persons

Carla Brathwaite, American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Team Lead of the Radiology Health Equity Coalition (RHEC), was a featured presenter in the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health and Human Services Committee Joint Informational Forum the week of Sept. 11.

The forum, Access to Health Care for Persons with Disabilities, assembled a diverse array of stakeholders, including state lawmakers, consumer advocates, the Connecticut Council on Development Disabilities, the Connecticut Hospital Association, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Association of the Deaf.

The RHEC is a coalition of eleven radiology organizations convened by ACR guided by its core principle that healthcare should be accessible, equitable and compassionate for all. It serves as a unifying force for a diverse community of professionals, experts, advocates and allies.

Central to the discussions during the forum was a concerted effort to improve radiologic care for patients with disabilities. Several key points emerged from the dialogue:

• Enhancing accessibility: Healthcare facilities and equipment should be made accessible to all, regardless of disability.
• Empathy and patience: Healthcare professionals must pay close attention to the concerns and responses of patients with disabilities.
• Training for radiologic teams: To better serve patients with disabilities, radiologic teams should receive specialized training on how to interact with and care for this patient population.
• Adaptive Equipment: Utilizing adaptive medical imaging equipment, such as positioning aids, wedges or padding, can significantly enhance patient comfort and ensure proper positioning during imaging procedures.
• Federal legislation: Federal legislation is needed that mandates radiology equipment suppliers manufacture adjustable medical imaging equipment. This would contribute to greater accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare settings.

The RHEC is firmly committed to ensuring that patients with disabilities receive high-quality radiologic care. For more information about the RHEC, contact Carla Brathwaite.