Women offered less invasive or intensive treatment than men with the same conditions
Women are less likely than men to be offered invasive or intensive treatments, such as surgery or strong painkillers, for the same medical conditions, a new study has found.
A new review has revealed that women are less likely to receive intensive treatments such as surgery or strong painkillers compared to men with similar medical conditions. The research, conducted by a team at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, examined 41 studies published between 2018 and 2023 and found a consistent pattern across various fields of medicine, including cardiology, surgery, transplant medicine, and emergency care.
Women with heart failure, heart attacks, and tachycardia were more likely to be managed conservatively with medication rather than invasive procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention. Similarly, men with Parkinson’s disease were more likely to receive deep brain stimulation devices as a treatment option, while women were less likely to be referred for such procedures or liver transplants.
Lead researcher Miriam Veenhuizen acknowledged that while the findings were not surprising, their consistency was. She noted that the reasons behind these disparities are unclear, but it is possible that women were underrepresented in clinical trials for many years, leading to treatment guidelines based on data from men.
The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to determine whether these differences reflect legitimate variations in clinical practice or underlying inequalities. They also call for efforts to ensure that patients receive equitable care, regardless of their sex.
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