{"id":5381,"date":"2024-12-19T12:52:27","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T12:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discovery-park.co.uk\/?p=5381"},"modified":"2024-12-19T23:49:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T23:49:58","slug":"the-future-of-healthcare-is-female-a-revolution-in-the-making","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discovery-park.co.uk\/the-future-of-healthcare-is-female-a-revolution-in-the-making\/","title":{"rendered":"The Future of Healthcare is Female: A Revolution in the Making"},"content":{"rendered":"
Last week, Discovery Park brought together a panel of influential leaders in women\u2019s health at Giant Health\u2019s \u2018Women\u2019s Health Technology Show\u2019<\/em>, creating a powerful forum for thought-provoking discussion. Hosted by Kate Lancaster, CEO of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the event featured a diverse group of voices from across the healthcare sector, all united by a common goal: to address the longstanding gaps in women\u2019s health and to explore the transformative role of technology in bridging these divides.<\/p>\n The panel included:<\/p>\n Together, they delved deep into the changing landscape of women\u2019s health, sharing valuable insights and fostering a conversation that could define the future of healthcare.<\/p>\n The Long-Standing Gaps in Women\u2019s Healthcare<\/strong><\/p>\n For decades, women\u2019s healthcare has suffered from systemic neglect. From clinical trials that exclude women to the lack of products tailored to their needs, the gender gap in healthcare innovation has had far-reaching consequences.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to stop viewing women\u2019s health as a niche and instead recognise it as fundamental to human health,\u201d<\/em> Alexandra Oti remarked.<\/p>\n One striking example discussed was the absence of mandatory menopause education in many medical school curricula – even though every woman experiences it! This gap was starkly illustrated by a \u201chot flush\u201d simulation test conducted on men, which highlighted how discomforting the experience can be and underscored the importance of taking women\u2019s health concerns seriously.<\/p>\n The panel emphasised that the responsibility to close these gaps lies with everyone in the healthcare ecosystem: startups, investors, corporates, and policymakers.<\/p>\n The Rise of Femtech: Challenging the Status Quo<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most promising developments in recent years has been the emergence of Femtech – technology designed to address women\u2019s health needs. This sector is disrupting the norm, fostering innovation, and empowering women like never before, and as Kate Lancaster highlighted, is estimated to be worth \u00a360 billion in revenue by 2027.<\/p>\n However, hurdles remain. While Femtech startups often attract seed-level funding, many struggle to secure the resources needed to scale. As Miriam Kenrick noted, \u201cThere\u2019s no shortage of brilliant ideas, but the capital flow hasn\u2019t caught up yet. We need to keep making noise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Specific examples like fertility tracking apps, menopause management tools, and maternal health platforms were highlighted as areas where technology is beginning to bridge the gap.<\/p>\n Technology and Innovation as Game-Changers<\/strong><\/p>\n The role of technology in advancing women\u2019s health cannot be overstated. From AI-driven data analysis to inclusive care system redesign, innovation is paving the way for a more equitable future.<\/p>\n AI, for instance, is enabling researchers to uncover gender-specific trends that were previously overlooked. But as Erin Beveridge pointed out, \u201cIt\u2019s not just about new tools; it\u2019s about redesigning systems with equity at their core.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Organisations like Canon Medical Research Europe are already applying AI to improve diagnostics and treatment pathways. At the same time, startups and collectives are leveraging technology to address access issues, especially in underserved communities.<\/p>\n Policy and Accessibility: Breaking Down Barriers<\/strong><\/p>\n The panel also stressed the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Access remains a critical challenge for women\u2019s healthcare. Geographical barriers, affordability, and systemic inequities continue to limit access for millions of women worldwide. Similarly BAME women face significantly higher health risks compared to their white counterparts, especially in maternal and reproductive health.<\/p>\n Paula Bellostas Mugerza highlighted initiatives like the Women\u2019s X Collective, which are driving change by improving access and equity. Policy reform was another key focus, with panelists calling for:<\/p>\n \u201cIf we want to do good science, it has to work for everyone,\u201d<\/em> Erin Beveridge remarked, summing up a core message of the discussion. Inclusivity in research isn\u2019t just ethical – it\u2019s essential for delivering effective healthcare.<\/p>\n Good science means ensuring women\u2019s voices, experiences, and needs are integral to the process. This includes diversifying clinical trials, designing solutions with women in mind, and investing in research that reflects the entire population.<\/p>\n Beyond \u201cBreasts and Babies\u201d: Changing the Narrative<\/strong><\/p>\n A powerful takeaway from the panel was the need to expand the narrative around women\u2019s health. Historically, women\u2019s healthcare has been narrowly defined, focusing mainly on reproductive health and breast health.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s so much more to women\u2019s health than \u2018breasts and babies,\u2019\u201d<\/em> said Erin Beveridge. \u201cWomen are rewriting the rules, and the industry must follow suit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n From cardiovascular health to autoimmune diseases, women\u2019s health encompasses a wide spectrum of needs that are often under-researched and underserved.<\/p>\n Reasons to Be Optimistic<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the challenges, the panel struck an optimistic tone. Kate Lancaster highlighted that initiatives like accelerator programmes, Femtech ecosystems, and networks such as the Health Innovation Network and Discovery Park are creating a thriving platform for innovation. With advocacy and collaboration, the panelists expressed confidence that funding and policy would eventually catch up to the passion and potential in this space.<\/p>\n The narrative is shifting, and with it comes hope. Women-led ventures and technological advancements are redefining healthcare, ensuring it becomes more inclusive, equitable, and effective.<\/p>\n How You Can Take Action<\/strong><\/p>\n Inspired to get involved? Miriam Kenrick recommended starting with the book Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men<\/em>. This eye-opening read sheds light on how data gaps have held women back in countless areas, including healthcare.<\/p>\n We need to keep banging\u00a0the drum \u00a0– whether by supporting Femtech startups, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness.<\/p>\n A Bright Future<\/strong><\/p>\n As the event concluded, one thing was clear: the future of healthcare is female. With passionate advocates, groundbreaking technology, and a growing movement for change, we\u2019re on the brink of a revolution.<\/p>\n And if the passion and vision of this panel are anything to go by, it\u2019s going to be one worth watching, and supporting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Last week, Discovery Park brought together a panel of influential leaders in women\u2019s health at Giant Health\u2019s \u2018Women\u2019s Health Technology Show\u2019, creating a powerful forum for thought-provoking discussion. Hosted by Kate Lancaster, CEO of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the event featured a diverse group of voices from across the healthcare sector, all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":5382,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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So let\u2019s keep the conversation going. Join us on a mission to change the future of women’s health, creating health equity for all. Download our brochure for more information here.<\/a><\/h4>\n