Women have unique health care needs that require specialized attention throughout all stages of life. To improve health care experiences for women, it is essential to acknowledge their distinct health needs and ensure that health care is responsive, respectful, and supportive.

Traditionally, women’s health has been approached with a narrow focus, primarily addressing specific issues such as pregnancy. However, recent research reveals that only 7 percent of visits to health care providers pertain to these specialized women’s health conditions. Furthermore, compared to men, women’s health claims indicate that 69 percent of all conditions are more prevalent, more expensive, or both.[1]

Women are more likely than men to experience osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and migraines.[2] Moreover, heart disease is responsible for approximately one in five female deaths,[3] and women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.[4]

Consider these statistics:

• Approximately 100,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in the United States each year.[5]
• Each year, one in five women in the United States experiences a mental health problem.[6]
• Postpartum depression affects one in seven new mothers.[7]
• Almost two-thirds of those in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease who are age 65 or older are women.[8]
• More than 50 percent of women aged 40–64 experienced symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause, yet only 8 percent received a confirmed diagnosis.[9]
• In the United States, as many as four out of five of those with an autoimmune disease are women.[10]

Tips for improving women’s health care experiences

Creating a better care experience for women involves understanding their unique health needs and implementing changes that focus on provider-patient interactions. Here are several strategies to consider:

Comprehensive services. Provide a wide range of services tailored to women’s needs, including reproductive health, maternal health, mental health, and preventive care. Services should address both physical and mental health issues.

Patient-centered care. Adopt a patient-centered approach that prioritizes women’s voices. Offer opportunities for women to express their concerns and preferences in their care plans.

Supportive environment. Cultivate a welcoming and safe environment within health care facilities. This can be achieved through diverse staffing, an inclusive atmosphere, and the provision of privacy and comfort during visits.

Focus on preventive care. Encourage regular screenings and preventive measures, focusing on conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and heart disease.

Mental health support. Acknowledge and provide support for mental health challenges that many women face. This includes access to counseling and mental health services integrated into regular health care.

Education and information. Provide clear, accurate information about health issues relevant to women. Educational resources should be readily available and presented in a way that is understandable and actionable.

Feedback mechanisms. Implement systems for collecting feedback from women about their health care experiences. Use this information to make improvements and to ensure services meet their needs.

Addressing social determinants of health. Recognize and address the social determinants that affect women’s health, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to transportation. Connecting women with community resources can help mitigate these issues.

Cultural competency. Train staff to understand and respect diverse cultural perspectives on women’s health. This includes awareness of different beliefs, practices, and concerns related to health care.

By focusing on these strategies, providers can enhance the health care experience for women, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and satisfaction with care received.

Learn more about women’s unique health needs, chronic disease risk factors, and changing requirements for care at all ages and stages of life in Understanding Heart Disease in Women: 10 Key Insights for Providers and A New Age in Women’s Health Care Puts the Reproductive Journey in the Spotlight.

[1] Health care must evolve to meet the multifaceted needs of women | Evernorth

[2] Chronic Conditions That Predominantly Impact or Affect Women Differently – Advancing Research on Chronic Conditions in Women – NCBI Bookshelf

[3] About Women and Heart Disease | Heart Disease | CDC

[4] Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap – Mayo Clinic

[5] Gynecologic Cancers | Johns Hopkins Medicine

[6] Psychiatry.org – Women

[7] Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

[8] Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease? – Harvard Health

[9] Research finds that few women receive diagnoses of perimenopause or menopause | Evernorth

[10] Stanford Medicine-led study shows why women are at greater risk of autoimmune disease