Calling all women: The IWK Foundation wants to hear your health stories
The IWK Foundation has initiated a survey to gain a deeper understanding of women’s health experiences in the Maritime provinces and to address the disparity in health outcomes between men and women. This initiative is part of the foundation’s efforts to support IWK Health, a prominent hospital in Halifax that caters to women, youth, and children from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Jennifer Gillivan, the foundation’s president and CEO, highlighted the importance of hearing directly from women about their health experiences, challenges, and outcomes. The online survey, targeting women aged 18 and above, aims to gather insights into different aspects of women’s health at various stages of life. Gillivan emphasized the significance of collecting data to identify areas where women need more support and where gaps exist in the healthcare system.
The survey, which guarantees anonymity, includes questions such as the factors that most significantly impact one’s physical health and invites participants to share detailed accounts of their healthcare stories. The results will undergo evaluation by a team of researchers to inform strategies for enhancing women’s health support and reshaping how women’s healthcare is perceived, prioritized, and delivered.
Historically, women’s health has been under-researched and underfunded, with only seven percent of total national research funding allocated to it, despite women constituting half of the population. Gillivan emphasized the need for increased research and better training for healthcare providers in women’s health to drive meaningful change in healthcare practices and policies.
The survey findings will not only inform the IWK’s operations but will also be shared with relevant stakeholders, including governments, health authorities, and other non-profit organizations across Canada. The ultimate goal is to advocate for improved understanding and prioritization of women’s health needs, emphasizing the unique differences in women’s bodies that necessitate tailored healthcare solutions.
Maggie Archibald, a patient advocate in Halifax who battled chronic pain for 18 years before being diagnosed with endometriosis, expressed enthusiasm for the survey results and the potential for impactful change in healthcare practices. The foundation plans to unveil the survey findings to the public on October 1.
To participate in the IWK Foundation’s survey and contribute to advancing women’s health research and advocacy efforts, interested individuals can access the survey link provided. Stay tuned for the revealing of the survey results, which promise to shed light on crucial aspects of women’s health experiences in the Maritime provinces.
