Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Towards Medical Practitioners with Disabilities in the Limpopo Province ^†

Background: Disability inclusion in the healthcare system is essential to promote diversity and improve quality health service delivery in South African public hospitals. However, medical practitioners with disabilities are underrepresented due to accessibility, stigma, and limited support systems. Non-disabled patients’ and healthcare workers’ perceptions towards medical practitioners with disabilities significantly influence overall healthcare experience. Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among patients and healthcare workers towards medical practitioners with disabilities in a public hospital, Mankweng circuit in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative and exploratory research approach was employed, and a sample of twenty (20) participants comprising patients (15) and healthcare workers (5) aged 18 to 65 were recruited using purposive and snowballing sampling. Data was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Medical, social, and human rights model were adopted as theoretical frameworks for understanding disability inclusion in the healthcare sector. Thematic content analysis was applied. Results: The findings reveal that participants lack knowledge and awareness of medical practitioners with disabilities. Participants had mixed attitudes when working with and receiving diagnosis and treatment from medical practitioners with disabilities due to their perceptions, interaction issues, cultural beliefs, and stigmatizing attitudes towards disabilities. In essence, misconceptions about the capabilities of medical practitioners reserved among non-disabled patients and healthcare workers undermine efforts to promote the inclusion of medical practitioners in public hospitals. Conclusions: Non-disabled patients’ and healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions have implications on the inclusion and career and professional development of medical practitioners with disabilities in the healthcare sector. This study provides valuable insights into the reasons behind the lack of inclusion of medical practitioners with disabilities in the public hospital context. The South African healthcare system must develop measures to enhance inclusivity, reduce stigma, and improve support and integration for healthcare professionals with disabilities.