PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
March 24, 2026The Clinical Teacher2 citationsOpen Access

Colour Vision Deficiency in Health Professions Education: A Narrative Literature Review

View Full Paper
MIMarnie ImhoffLDLinsey DonnerAEAshley Eichleberg

Key Points

  • This review aims to explore the impact of colour vision deficiency (CVD) on healthcare education and clinical practice, highlighting the need for better support.
  • Conducted a thorough search across seven databases for literature on CVD in healthcare professionals.
  • Included studies published from August 2013 to January 2026 focusing on educational practices related to CVD.
  • Utilized thematic analysis to categorize findings and develop insights.
  • Identified significant gaps in CVD screening and awareness within healthcare education and practice.
  • Few programs provide accommodations or support for individuals with CVD.
  • Highlighted effective interventions such as high-contrast visuals, adaptive technologies, and universal design principles.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Colour vision deficiency (CVD) or colour blindness can affect healthcare professionals in tasks that require colour perception. Despite its occurrence, there is limited awareness within healthcare education to support students and practitioners with CVD. This narrative literature review examines the impact of CVD on educational experiences and clinical performance, summarises recommended teaching interventions and identifies gaps in training and institutional support. Methods A methodical search was conducted using seven databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed) using keywords related to CVD and healthcare education. Articles published between August 2013 and January 2026 were included if they addressed CVD in healthcare professionals or students and discussed educational practices or clinical implications. Thematic analysis was used to categorise findings and develop insights. Findings The review identified gaps in screening, awareness and support for individuals with CVD in healthcare education and clinical practice. Few programs screen for CVD or offer accommodations for those with CVD. The literature supports the use of universal design principles, alternative instructional strategies and assistive technology. Effective interventions include grayscale imaging, high‐contrast visuals, adaptive technologies and purposeful instructional design. Conclusions There is a need to implement changes in both healthcare education and clinical practice to support individuals with CVD. Routine screening, universal design principles, adaptive tools and standardised guidelines are essential. Future research needs to evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions, identify best practices in education and inform evidence‐based policies to promote a supportive educational environment.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Imhoff et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c22982aeb5a845df0d4096https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.70402
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper