Perceived Barriers to Gynecologic Care by Women Who Use Wheelchairs

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the current barriers associated with gynecologic care as perceived by women who use wheelchairs. Methods This qualitative study evaluated the barriers to gynecologic healthcare as described by female wheelchair users. We recruited English-speaking female participants aged 18 years and older who primarily used a wheelchair for mobility through flyer and email distribution. Interviews were conducted by three investigators using a semi-structured interview guide and recorded for transcription. Two investigators reviewed all transcriptions for accuracy which were then coded to identify emergent themes. Results The thematic saturation was achieved with 16 interviews. The most common barrier cited was transferring to the exam table (n=16). Women reported that their providers lacked knowledge and experience with women who use wheelchairs (n= 11). Conclusion There are many barriers to gynecologic care for women who use wheelchairs. Interventions are needed to improve accessibility to care for women who use wheelchairs.