1 INNOVATING WOMEN’S HEALTH
The need to address women’s health is even more critical as health outcomes worsen.
Upstream curated this trend report for attendees of the HLTH USA 2024 conference on October 20-23. We believe these 7 healthcare trends are essential for enhancing outcomes for everyone. As experts in Human-Centered Design, we are excited to see these trends gain momentum and are committed to continuing our contributions to their growth.
Underrepresentation in care:
The industry has been slow to recognize that women have been under-listened to and under-represented in care settings.
Neglecting the fact that women's bodies require different care leads to poor health outcomes.
Economic impact:
Every $1 invested in women's health can generate $3 in economic growth.
Ignoring women's health results in reduced workforce participation and a $1 trillion global economic loss.
Policy challenges:
The rollback of Roe v. Wade has created restrictive reproductive laws affecting pregnant women and the broader healthcare system.
Medical residents are avoiding states with abortion restrictions, impacting healthcare availability.
Health system goals:
Prioritize patient care, strategic collaborations, and advocate for policy changes.
Implement telehealth solutions, mobile health units, and comprehensive contingency plans to ensure resilient healthcare systems.
Workforce goals:
Offer comprehensive women’s health support, including reproductive, menopause care, and childcare solutions.
Promote a healthier, more productive workforce through tailored benefits.
Strategy for innovating women’s health
Prioritize inclusive and innovative approaches to overcome systemic challenges and create lasting positive change for women and communities.
Why we’re excited:
When women drive design decisions they create personalized and effective care models that enhance their own health outcomes, uplift the well-being of broader communities, and drive economic growth. This leadership ensures that decisions directly reflect and address the unique needs and perspectives of women, fostering sustainable and impactful solutions.
