BACKGROUND:
People with disabilities face challenges accessing healthcare due to systemic barriers, such as insufficient knowledge, training, and experience among healthcare workers (HCWs). Training HCWs in inclusive healthcare has the potential to enhance the quality of care for people with disabilities. We co-developed a disability training program with persons with disabilities and HCWs to promote inclusive healthcare.

METHODS:
The one-day trainings were co-facilitated by a person with a disability and a healthcare worker. A total of 281 healthcare workers from 36 healthcare facilities in Luuka were trained by 10 trained facilitators (5 persons with disabilities and 5 HCWs). We conducted in-depth interviews with HCWs who participated in the training (n=20) three months post-training to qualitatively evaluate their experiences and perceived benefits. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.

RESULTS:
The study findings show that the training enhanced the HCWs’ understanding of disability and their healthcare needs. Participants reported a positive change in attitudes and awareness of disability, which consequently improved their patient handling and care. The training prompted changes in facility policies and practices, including prioritising people with disabilities, developing inclusive service protocols and innovative and inclusive care methods. Additionally, HCWs reported enhanced accessibility and reasonable accommodations within facilities. Overall, there was perceived effectiveness, responsiveness, and quality of care for people with disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS:
Disability-inclusive training for HCWs has the potential to enhance their awareness, attitudes, and practices toward people with disabilities. However, continuous capacity building and inclusion of persons with disabilities as co-trainers may further sustain these positive outcomes.