In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to include people with disabilities in all aspects of society, including healthcare. As technology becomes increasingly central to healthcare, it is crucial that health technologies are developed and evaluated with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. The Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI) has been a vocal advocate for this cause, urging the Ministry of Health to ensure that people with disabilities are fully represented in the regulation and evaluation of health technologies.
CERMI’s Call for Inclusion
CERMI has called on the Ministry of Health to take concrete steps to ensure that people with disabilities are given a voice in the regulation and evaluation of health technologies. This appeal is part of CERMI’s response to the Draft Royal Decree currently under public review, which outlines the regulation of health technology evaluations in Spain.
CERMI’s main demand is that the most representative organizations of people with disabilities be given the same status and consideration as patient organizations and consumer/user groups. This would ensure that people with disabilities are on equal footing with other key stakeholders in the healthcare system when it comes to forming opinions, governing the evaluation process, and being recognized as a target group for health technologies.
Equal Treatment for Disability Organizations
One of the key points CERMI has highlighted is the need for equal treatment of disability organizations in all relevant legal texts. Specifically, CERMI is advocating for the inclusion of the phrase “and the most representative state-wide organisation of people with disabilities and their families” in every article of the Draft Royal Decree where patient and consumer/user organizations are mentioned. This would ensure that people with disabilities are explicitly recognized and included in all stages of health technology regulation and evaluation.
Furthermore, CERMI has proposed that a new definition be added to the Draft Royal Decree’s section on ‘Definitions.’ This new definition would describe “non-profit social initiative organisations at the state level that largely represent the rights and interests of people with disabilities and their families, and whose governing bodies are mainly made up of people with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities.” By incorporating this definition, the decree would formally recognize the role of disability organizations in the healthcare system.
The Importance of Technology in Oral Health for People with Disabilities
Technology plays a significant role in improving healthcare outcomes for people with disabilities, particularly in the area of oral health. This was the focus of a recent conference titled “Contribution of Health Technology to Oral Health in People with Disabilities,” organized by the Technology and Health Foundation, the Spanish Federation of Health Technology Companies (Fenin), and the Ortega Marañón Foundation, FOM. The conference brought together patient associations, representatives from the healthcare industry, and government officials to discuss how health technologies can be adapted to better serve people with disabilities.
At the conference, various stakeholders emphasized the importance of adapting dental technologies to meet the specific needs of patients with disabilities. For example, some dental clinics are using digital diagnostic systems that make it easier to assess and treat patients with physical disabilities. Other clinics are employing wheelchair-compatible dental equipment, rotary instruments that produce less noise, and dental materials that reduce treatment time. These innovations help minimize the risk of behavioral disturbances during dental procedures and make it easier for patients with disabilities to receive the care they need.
Collaboration and Awareness
One of the key themes that emerged from the conference was the need for collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the care of people with disabilities. Angela Paredes, a trustee of the Technology and Health Foundation, emphasized the importance of all parties working together to identify the specific needs of disabled patients and to develop solutions that address those needs. “These types of meetings help raise awareness about the value of providing a service adapted to the characteristics and circumstances of each person. Health technology is a fundamental tool for overcoming the barriers that hinder the treatment of oral pathologies in the disabled population,” Paredes stated.
Dr. Guillermo Pradíes, president of the Foundation of the Spanish Society of Prosthetic Dentistry and Aesthetics (SEPES), also highlighted the importance of continued innovation in dental technologies to better serve people with disabilities. He pointed out that it is not only important to develop technologies that eliminate barriers for patients, but also to ensure that dental professionals with disabilities have the tools they need to perform their work effectively. Additionally, Dr. Pradíes called for the development of clear protocols for how dental professionals should provide care to patients with disabilities, emphasizing the need for improved communication between dentists, dental hygienists, and their patients.
Ongoing Efforts in Spain
Spain has made some progress in providing accessible healthcare services to people with disabilities, particularly in the area of oral health. The Community of Madrid, for example, offers public dental services specifically designed for people with disabilities through the Children’s Dental Care Programme (PADI). This program provides dental care to all citizens of the region aged 6 to 16, and up to 18 years for those with recognized physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from attending traditional clinics.
These services are available at the Niño Jesús Children’s University Hospital and the Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, where specialized care is provided to ensure that patients with disabilities receive the best possible treatment. Representatives of patient associations have praised these efforts but have also stressed the importance of raising awareness among healthcare personnel about the unique needs of people with disabilities. They have called for more training for healthcare providers and for ensuring that parents and caregivers are fully informed about the services available to them.
The Future of Health Technology for People with Disabilities
Looking ahead, there is a clear need for continued innovation in health technology to better serve people with disabilities. Dr. Pedro Diz Dios, a representative of the International Association for Disability & Oral Health (IADH), emphasized the importance of involving people with disabilities in the development of new technologies and in clinical trials. “In Spain, there are four million people with disabilities, which makes it necessary to know and enhance the context of the individual in front of us and include them in the development of technologies, as well as in clinical trials so that they can also benefit from technological advances,” Dr. Diz Dios noted.
The efforts of the Community of Madrid and other regions in Spain are a positive step forward, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to the benefits of health technology. By continuing to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of healthcare, organizations like CERMI are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for everyone.
To find more visit tododisca.news
Verdict on Advocating for Equal Access: Ensuring Health Technology Includes People with Disabilities
Ensuring that health technologies are accessible and effective for people with disabilities is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for providing high-quality healthcare to all members of society. As CERMI and other organizations continue to push for greater inclusion and equal treatment of people with disabilities in the healthcare system, it is crucial that these efforts are supported by all stakeholders. By working together, we can create a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of everyone, regardless of their abilities.
