Here’s why patients treated by female doctors have a better chance of recovery

Health outcomes for both men and women were found to improve when a female doctor treated them.

When choosing a doctor, qualifications and bedside manner are likely at the top of your list. But a recent study suggests an interesting factor that might also influence your recovery – your doctor’s gender.

Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that patients, particularly women, might experience better outcomes when treated by female physicians.

This isn’t the first time such a link has been explored. Studies focusing on surgeons have shown similar trends, with some suggesting patients treated by female surgeons have lower mortality rates.

Unveiling the data
The UCLA-led study analysed data from nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries hospitalised across the U.S. Researchers compared patient outcomes based on the gender of their treating physician. The results were intriguing:

Reduced mortality rates: Patients treated by female doctors had a slightly lower mortality rate (around 10.15% for men and 8.2% for women) compared to those treated by male doctors (10.23% and 8.4%, respectively).
Shorter hospital stays: Patients under female doctors tended to have shorter hospital stays, suggesting potentially more efficient care plans.
The effect on women: Interestingly, the positive impact of female doctors seemed more pronounced for female patients.
Potential explanations
While the study highlights a correlation between patient outcomes and doctor gender, it doesn’t definitively prove causation. Experts suggest several possible explanations for the observed trends:

Communication style: Studies suggest female doctors might adopt a more patient-centred communication style, focusing on active listening and addressing concerns comprehensively. This can lead to better patient understanding of treatment plans and increased adherence to them, potentially improving outcomes.

Focus on preventive care: Research indicates that female doctors might place a greater emphasis on preventive care measures like screenings and healthy lifestyle discussions. This proactive approach could contribute to earlier detection of potential issues and better overall health outcomes.

Reduced implicit bias: Implicit bias and unconscious stereotypes, can influence medical decision-making. Some studies suggest that female doctors might be less susceptible to certain biases, potentially leading to more equitable treatment plans for all patients.

Practice patterns: Female doctors might lean towards different treatment options compared to their male counterparts. This could be due to their training or areas of specialisation, and while the reasons are unclear, it could contribute to the observed outcomes.

The importance of a strong doctor-patient relationship

The study doesn’t suggest that female doctors are inherently “better.” It highlights the importance of finding a doctor you feel comfortable with, who listens to your concerns, and effectively communicates your treatment options.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a doctor:

Qualifications and experience: Look for a doctor board-certified in your area of need and with a good reputation.

Communication style: Do you feel heard and understood during consultations?

Bedside manner: Is your doctor empathetic and respectful of your concerns?

Gender preference: If you have a strong preference for a male or female doctor, voice it – most healthcare providers are happy to accommodate your choice.

Inclusive approach to the future of healthcare

The research on patient outcomes and doctor gender highlights the importance of building a diverse and inclusive healthcare environment. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in medicine can benefit both patients and the medical field as a whole.

The ultimate goal is to create a healthcare system where everyone feels comfortable, and understood, and receives the best possible care, regardless of their doctor’s gender.

This research serves as a springboard for further exploration and a reminder that creating a patient-centred approach is a key factor in achieving positive health outcomes.