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Women’s College Hospital asked 1,000 women from all walks of life and over 60 communities across Ontario what they want from their health care experience. The findings are in its new report “A Thousand Voices For Women’s Health”. Women told interviewers and online communities what they liked and what they didn’t like when it comes to hospitals, to care and to services. They shared their stories and experiences, their fears and concerns, their hopes and dreams and their vision for the hospital of the future.
According to the report, women are not satisfied with the care they receive and are often disappointed by it. In fact, 65 per cent of women say they often feel treated as a number rather than as an individual.
A further 70 per cent say they feel there is more of a focus on moving them through the system as quickly as possible instead of hearing what they have to say about their life circumstances and needs. Eighty-eight per cent of women say it is vital that health care facilities provide a holistic approach to health that treats the whole person, not merely parts of the body. But only 43 per cent feel hospitals and health care facilities are successful at it.
In addition, 90 per cent say they want to be treated as an outpatient instead of being admitted. They do not want to have to exit their life during ongoing treatment for complex conditions.
The results also speak to the vital importance of:
- home and community care
- continuing care as an outpatient
- interprofessional collaboration in delivering care
- better communication between healthcare providers
With so many living with chronic illnesses, one example being the meteoric rise in numbers of those with type 2 diabetes, people require more ongoing care. We also need to take responsibility for our health and our lifestyle choices, and with that often comes a need for sensitivity, support and guidance.
Of course this survey was focused on women, but we're curious about how these high numbers compare to men... It would be very interesting to gather and compare those results.
Women’s College Hospital is responding the research it conducted with a new facility, scheduled to be completed by 2015. It will be built around specialized operating suites and clinic spaces. These “clinical neighbourhoods” will be welcoming and supportive spaces for patients and staff, combining clinical care, research and education.
With these changes Women’s College Hospital is advancing women’s health with an ambulatory hospital. It will enable women of every age who are living with a complex array of health issues – like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine and mental illness – to live healthier and more independent lives.
Full results of the A Thousand Voices For Women’s Health report can be found at www.womenshealthmatters.ca/1000women.
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