Professional paper
PERSONS WITH DISABILITY – TEST OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM ACCESSIBILITY
SELMA ŠOGORIĆ
orcid.org/0000-0002-2314-2146
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
MANDICA SANKOVIĆ
; Vinkovci Department of Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, Vinkovci, Croatia
VESNA ŠTEFANČIĆ
orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-6390
; Croatian Institute of Public Health, Division of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
KSENIJA VITALE
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Accessible construction is acceptable and represents direct investment in the infrastructure, as well in the healthcare system, while the infrastructure is used for more than 80 years. In many EU Member States, construction of accessible buildings has been supported by additional fi nancial resources. Implementation of the framework for the quality of life improvement of persons with disabilities in the Republic of Croatia is in line with international standards. These include the principles of fundamental human rights, i.e. the principle of non-discrimination. In order to achieve this principle, it is necessary to provide access to healthcare system to persons with permanent or temporary disabilities and sensory, intellectual and psychosocial diffi culties. Accessibility of the healthcare system includes both spatial availability and ‘specialized’ (medical services and equipment) availability within departments, health units and institutions, with the main goal to provide comprehensive healthcare service for people with disabilities. Very important is the role of stakeholders in the construction industry and intersectional co-operation. The fi rst step in achieving accessible healthcare system for people with disabilities is to assess and defi ne the level of accessibility of healthcare institutions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the tools, techniques and technologies for assessment and subsequent evaluation in accordance with legal regulations, such as questionnaire for (self)assessment of the accessibility of healthcare institutions for persons with disabilities, and
an IT program for data processing. This can lead to development of an action plan, i.e. framework for improvement of accessibility of healthcare institutions for persons with disabilities. As the ultimate result of the establishment of this process, the healthcare system will increase its accessibility to persons with disability and enhance their independence and quality of life. It will also improve the overall system quality and effi ciency through provision of appropriate healthcare services.
Keywords
accessibility; healthcare system; people with disabilities; healthy urban planning; universal design
Hrčak ID:
199526
URI
Publication date:
20.4.2018.
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