What You Should Know:
– A new report by Solera Health, a digital health platform, highlights a critical gap in communication surrounding women’s health. The Women’s Health report, titled “Human Centered Design: A Women’s Health Case Study,” was developed through a comprehensive research effort.
– The survey of over 2,300 women across all adult life stages reveals a strong desire for more open conversations but also identifies factors that prevent women from discussing their health concerns.
Silence Around Health Issues: A Shared Desire for Openness
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of women surveyed agreed with the statement, “I wish women talked about their health issues more.” This finding underscores a shared desire for a more open and supportive environment for discussing women’s health.
Prioritization and Practical Barriers
- While 58% of women agreed that health is a top priority, a significant number (58%) also conceded that they “can just live with” tolerable health discomforts if they’re not debilitating.
- Nearly half (46%) of respondents acknowledged the challenge of finding time for doctor visits when they’re not feeling well.
These findings suggest that despite recognizing the importance of health, practical obstacles and a tendency to prioritize other commitments can create barriers to seeking care.
Privacy and Preferred Language
- The survey revealed that 59% of women prefer to keep some health issues private.
- A majority (56%) preferred the term “women’s health” compared to “gynecological health” (26%) or “reproductive health” (16%).
This highlights the importance of using inclusive and welcoming language in healthcare settings and digital programs that cater to women’s health needs.
Clinic Visits and Unspoken Concerns
- Over 40% of women felt doctors rush through appointments and don’t fully address their concerns. Many women expressed a hesitancy to bring up “embarrassing, mild, or sporadic symptoms” during doctor visits.
This suggests that traditional clinic settings may not always provide the space for women to discuss a full range of health concerns.
The Role of Digital Health Solutions
Solera Health emphasizes the potential of digital health programs to bridge these gaps:
- Accessibility: Digital programs can offer convenient and flexible ways for women to address their health needs.
- Open Communication: Digital platforms can provide a safe space for women to explore health topics and find information without judgment.
- Empowerment: Digital tools can empower women to track their health, identify and research symptoms, and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Solera Health’s “Human Centered Design: A Women’s Health Case Study” demonstrates how a user-centered approach can inform the development of effective digital health solutions for women.
Moving Forward: Open Communication and Tailored Solutions
The Solera Health survey underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to improve women’s health:
- Open and honest conversations between women, family, friends, and healthcare providers.
- Digital health solutions that are accessible, informative, and address the unique needs and preferences of women.
- Healthcare environments that are welcoming and provide ample time for women to discuss their concerns comprehensively.
“In this report, we asked thousands of women to share more about their experience getting care in the traditional brick and mortar health system,” said Dr. Byron Crowe, Chief Medical Officer at Solera Health. “Their responses make clear that women face ongoing systemic barriers to sharing their health concerns, leading to many problems going unaddressed for too long. Digital health tools and virtual clinics are an important solution.”
