The use of digital accessibility features has become increasingly important in healthcare as it can improve access to health information and services for individuals with disabilities. As smartphones continue to permeate every aspect of our lives, including healthcare, it is imperative that we ensure equitable access to technology for all patients, including those with digital accessibility needs [15]. In our study, we aimed to assess the awareness and usage of digital accessibility settings among physiotherapists working in a government tertiary care facility. The findings of this study on physiotherapists' knowledge and usage of digital accessibility settings in smartphones shed light on a contentious issue in the healthcare industry.
We found that while some accessibility features, such as Bold Text for Android and Text size, Subtitles, and Dictation for iOS, were being used in patient education to a certain extent, others like Action Blocks were still relatively unknown among physiotherapists. However, it is noteworthy that even for the less familiar features, some therapists reported using them for patient management.
Thus, the major takeaway from this study is the need for increased education and training for both physiotherapists and patients on the use of digital accessibility settings in smartphones. Patients with digital accessibility needs must be taught how to use technology effectively using accessibility measures, in order to fully benefit from the technological advancements in healthcare. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that patients are equipped with the necessary skills to use smartphones and other technology in a way that meets their individual accessibility requirements.
The low usage of accessibility features among healthcare professionals is concerning as it can contribute to the digital divide and limit access to healthcare services for individuals with disabilities. However, with increased awareness and training, healthcare professionals can become more proficient in using accessibility features and improve patient care [16].
Training programs aimed at improving the knowledge and use of accessibility settings among healthcare professionals have been shown to be effective in increasing their usage of these features. In a study conducted among occupational therapists, a training program aimed at improving their knowledge and use of accessibility features led to a significant increase in their use of these features in clinical practice. Similarly, a study conducted among medical students found that a brief training session on accessibility features led to a significant increase in their knowledge and usage of these features.
The findings of this study highlight the need for increased awareness and use of digital accessibility settings among physiotherapists to improve patient care and bridge the digital divide for individuals with disabilities. The results of this study can be used to inform the development of training programs for healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge and use of accessibility features in smartphones, which can ultimately benefit patients with disabilities. Future research should investigate the barriers to and facilitators of the use of accessibility features among healthcare professionals and patients, and assess the effectiveness of training programs aimed at improving their knowledge and usage of these features on patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the study also highlights the potential benefits of increased knowledge and use of digital accessibility settings in smartphones. These include promoting patient autonomy and independence. Patients with disabilities may face challenges in performing daily activities that others take for granted, such as communicating with friends and family, shopping, or accessing public transportation. By utilizing digital accessibility settings, patients can increase their independence and participate more fully in their communities [17, 18].
For example, patients with certain physical conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis may encounter difficulties in operating a smartphone's touch screen or buttons. To address these issues, digital accessibility features like touch accommodation, voice control, and assistive touch can be utilized to enhance the user's ability to interact with their smartphone. For instance, touch accommodation can be utilized to modify the sensitivity of the touch screen, whereas voice control empowers users to navigate their phone through voice commands. Additionally, assistive touch offers an on-screen button that allows easy access to frequently used functions without having to navigate through menus or buttons. These features can assist patients in their day-to-day activities, such as grocery shopping, which can now be done on smartphones and further promote their independence.
Moreover, the use of digital accessibility settings can also promote social inclusion and reduce stigma. Individuals with disabilities often face barriers to social participation due to physical or social barriers. By providing patients with the tools and resources to use technology effectively, we can create more inclusive communities where everyone can participate fully and be valued for their contributions [16].
In the context of physiotherapy, increased use of digital accessibility settings in smartphones can also support tele-rehabilitation efforts, which is emerging as a promising form of treatment in the field. Tele-rehabilitation involves delivering rehabilitation services remotely, using technology such as video conferencing and mobile applications [19, 20]. By leveraging digital accessibility features, physiotherapists can deliver high-quality care to patients with disabilities, including those living in remote areas or those who may face challenges with traditional in-person visits. For instance, a patient with visual impairments may need accessibility features like screen readers or larger text sizes to be able to effectively participate in tele-rehabilitation sessions. Similarly, a patient with hearing impairments may need subtitles or closed captions to be able to understand the instructions provided by the physiotherapist during the session.
By utilizing digital accessibility settings in smartphones and other technologies, physiotherapists can ensure that patients with disabilities are able to effectively engage in tele-rehabilitation sessions and receive the same quality of care as their non-disabled peers. This can ultimately lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life for patients with disabilities.
Overall, promoting the use of digital accessibility settings in healthcare can have wide-ranging benefits, including promoting patient autonomy, reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion, and improving access to healthcare services for patients with disabilities.
The study underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide in healthcare by promoting digital accessibility measures for all patients. By increasing awareness and education on the use of digital accessibility settings in smartphones, physiotherapists can better serve their patients and take advantage of the potential benefits of technology in tele-rehabilitation.