Note: In this article, “women” is used to refer to both biological sex and those who identify with the term as part of their gender expression.
It’s no secret that our society has historically undervalued women’s health. Like other aspects of life, the medical field often has a male-dominant perspective, from clinical studies to treatment.
Even if the women’s health gap is significant, there are things providers can do to help eliminate the issue. If you’re here, that likely means you’re ready to address these challenges—but maybe you need some help getting started.
The Issue: Gender Inequality in Healthcare
Biological women and femme-presenting people have faced inequality in healthcare for many years. There is little research on women’s health, and teams rarely included them in clinical trials until recently.
These issues create a false perception about how conditions and treatments affect women. And many times, that can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment. For example, women were often left out of clinical trials because it was assumed they’d have similar responses to men (which is now disproven).
Addressing Gender Bias in Healthcare
Gender inequality in healthcare is a complex topic influenced by various factors. Public health policy and industry regulations are primarily out of your hands. However, physicians can, and should, take steps to acknowledge and reduce the gender gap in their practice.
Patient-Centered Approach
One way to provide better care for women and people of all gender identities is by using a patient-centered approach. In this model, practitioners tailor appointments to an individual’s values and goals.
For example, you might help an older male patient with a skin condition differently than a young woman or a 40-year-old mother. By using a patient-centered approach, you can help all of your patients receive care based on their needs.
Women’s Health Research
While more women and people in the LGBTQIA community take part in research studies today, data is still lacking. That makes it critical for practitioners to advocate for inclusive trials and studies.
Even if current research is behind, doctors should try to use as much sex- and gender-specific data as possible when caring for patients. Or, if joining a trial, encourage more women and people from diverse populations to participate in the study.
Women’s Health Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Women’s health CME courses and seminars are becoming more popular. Doctors need access to the latest data regarding gender-specific care, and this is one of the best ways to get it.
When looking for CME that helps you fix knowledge gaps about women’s health, here are some things to keep in mind:
- CME should emphasize the influence of biological sex on conditions and treatments.
- Lectures about new medicines and treatments should explain how they work for women.
- Topics should involve issues that are common, unique, or present differently in women.
- CME activities should help participants identify and eliminate gender bias.
These CME topics can help you learn how to close the women’s health gap by providing high-quality care across the gender spectrum.
