Finalist
JUST: Addressing the Patient Gender Gap
Summary of work
The gender health gap is real.
Women have a longer life expectancy, but worse health outcomes. They’re more likely to suffer chronic pain but biases suggesting they’re oversensitive to pain, means they’re prescribed painkillers less. And women are diagnosed later for >700 diseases.
What factors drive poorer outcomes?
De-prioritisation by governments compound outcomes.
- 4% of R&D funding goes into care for women. Twice as much goes to diseases disproportionally affecting men.
- 12% of research budgets for Alzheimer’s disease is allocated to understanding impact in women, yet two-thirds of patients are women.
- 4.5% of funding for CV disease is targeted at women, though it’s the leading cause of death
Government research in 2021 (Women’s Health Strategy) revealed another factor. 84% of 100,000 women stated not being listened to by HCPs. Why?
Our research, for the first time, identified and modelled causal factors. And, through behavioural science informed how support could improve outcomes.
It confirmed the role of doctor–patient relationship. We co-designed a social programme with UK women. It informed design of tools to improve relationships, to accelerate diagnosis/treatment.
The programme successfully engaged with reaching over 36,000 women and almost 30,000 professionals.
Judges’ comments
‘JUST: Addressing the Patient Gender Gap’ is an important and well executed campaign that raises awareness around a significant issue. It is a powerful initiative that has produced some really promising results, and the judges are excited to see what is to come in terms of lasting behaviour change. A really strong entry.
