Access to HRT has historically been influenced by factors beyond clinical need, such as clinician decision-making, appointment availability, and socio-economic demographics. This has led to inequities in prescription rates across different communities.
Action
Access to HRT has historically been influenced by factors beyond clinical need, such as clinician decision-making, appointment availability, and socio-economic demographics. This has led to inequities in prescription rates across different communities.
To delve deeper into these disparities, we analysed prescribing data across England taking into consideration various community characteristics, including ethnicity and economic status. Our findings revealed a significant correlation: non-white and less affluent women were less likely to be prescribed HRT when other factors were controlled.
Armed with this data, we engaged clinicians in discussions about these disparities. We surveyed their experiences in supporting women through menopause and compiled policy recommendations into a report spearheaded by a leading women's advocacy group.
Impact
The report's launch was highly successful, garnering front-page newspaper coverage and elevating the profile of Theramex's general manager. It also sparked positive engagement with NHS leadership, who are now considering our recommendations.
This initiative placed women's experiences at the forefront while incorporating insights from healthcare professionals. By doing so, we developed practical proposals aimed at reducing unwarranted inequalities in access to essential treatment like HRT.
