Gender disparities in clinical decision making
Article Abstract:
Recent studies have suggested that women do not receive the same medical attention as men do. There are growing concerns that women are not included often enough in clinical studies, and that the results of such studies are merely modified when applied to women. Researchers have been reluctant to use female subjects because the menstrual cycle and hormonal variations in women can cause variations in the findings. Yet this is precisely the reason women should be included in studies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) promised to ensure that women would be included in studies in all appropriate situations, but little progress has been made by NIH in this area. Even more concern is centered around differences in the way patients are treated because of their sex. Most studies examining gender differences have found when gender alone is considered, women actually receive more health care services than men. However, males appear to be favored for a number of major diagnostic and treatment procedures, which is a cause for concern. Males appear more likely to receive kidney dialysis and transplants. Males are more likely to be given sputum tests for lung cancer. Cardiac catheterization and coronary bypass surgery are ordered more often for men than for women. Biological differences between the sexes may account for some of the disparities, but not many. The lack of research performed on women in the area of cardiovascular disease seems to be particularly problematic. Societal attitudes and stereotypes might influence health professionals to take men more seriously than women. Medical professionals need to examine their own biases and work to eliminate them in their professional practices. Research using subjects from both sexes should be encouraged. Finally, female medical professionals should take a greater role in teaching and research in the medical profession. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Patients who can't read: implications for the health care system
Article Abstract:
Illiteracy can affect health and access to health care. Functionally illiterate adults are likely to have more health problems, to be older, and to have difficulty using the health care system. These people are often cut off from information that would lead them to using health care. Because of the health care system's financial constraints, these patients may not be well served because clinicians need to provide more extensive education. However, clinicians should review essential information and use a demonstrative approach to make sure functionally illiterate patients can follow instructions and take their medications properly. Public health would be improved by reducing illiteracy.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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