A systematic review examined healthcare access for people with disabilities in rural and urban areas, revealing distinct challenges in each setting. Researchers searched multiple databases for peer-reviewed articles published from 2010 to 2024, identifying eight studies from countries including the U.S., China, and Mozambique.

In rural areas, barriers included transportation issues, fewer healthcare facilities, and limited provider availability. Key facilitators identified were telemedicine and mobile clinics. Conversely, urban areas faced challenges such as overcrowded facilities and long wait times, with specialized healthcare services and improved public transportation cited as helpful factors.

Both settings struggled with socioeconomic disparities, but the specific obstacles varied. The review emphasizes the need for tailored solutions: developing community-specific strategies like mobile clinics in rural regions and enhancing urban healthcare systems to reduce overcrowding and address inequities. The findings advocate for a dual approach to empower rural communities and optimize healthcare accessibility in urban environments, aiming to close the healthcare access gap for disabled individuals.