Why do women feel unheard and dismissed by health professionals?

Abstract

This NIHR Collection explores the reasons why women can feel unheard by health professionals, as well as recommendations for how to overcome these barriers. Issues include a lack of staff time, cultural awareness and knowledge about conditions, and feeling judged or dismissed. Health professionals can address these issues by improving their communication and listening skills and undertaking specific training.

In this article…

• Recent research into communication between health professionals and female patients

• The reasons why women can feel misunderstood, unheard, judged and dismissed

• How health professionals can overcome these barriers and support female patients

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We select NIHR-funded research studies that are most likely to be of interest to the public and professionals and inform changes to policy or practice.

NIHR Collections bring together NIHR research on a specific theme or health and care topic.

Key points

Research has explored why many women feel unheard by health professionals

Common reasons are feeling their concerns are being dismissed and a lack of time, knowledge and shared decision making

Staff members may benefit from training to address a lack of cultural awareness or dementia-specific communication skills

Clearer communication and improved listening can also help health professionals ensure patients feel listened to and understood