Gender Equity in Women's Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Canada: Perspectives from Providers...

This quality-improvement project explored perceptions and experiences of gender equity in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Canada, aiming to understand experiences of access, quality of care, and issues related to gender equity from the perspectives of health care providers (HCPs) and patients.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Centre of Excellence for Women's Health developed bilingual surveys for patients and HCPs and conducted a virtual focus group. Surveys assessed experiences and viewpoints related to SRH services and gender equity in the delivery of obstetric, gynaecological, and SRH services. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the surveys; and focus group findings were summarized thematically to complement the survey results.

Among 94 HCP respondents from diverse specialties and professions across urban and rural settings, most lacked formal training on sex and gender issues in women's health, but nevertheless felt confident in providing care. Key gender equity issues identified by the HCPs included limited funding, insufficient women's health research, poor access to specialists, and gaps in mental, sexual, and chronic care services. Of 207 patient respondents, 65% reported poor access to care because of physician shortages, long wait times, and uninsured costs. Only 25% felt HCPs always listened to their concerns, with gaps noted in menopause, mental health, and pain, leading to distress, misdiagnosis, or inadequate care.

Findings revealed areas of concern, including barriers to access, gaps in HCP training and discrepancies between patient experiences and provider intentions. The results highlight opportunities to improve SRH care through more gender-responsive, inclusive, and equitable approaches at the clinical practice and policy levels.