As we approach HLTH US, we are taking time to reflect on HLTH Europe, held in June. The event highlighted a variety of topics across the healthcare ecosystems, with experts delving into areas such as artificial intelligence, emerging models of care, and the utilization of innovation to tackle workforce shortages. 

The Women’s Health Hub played a central role at the event, spotlighting the latest advancements and ongoing challenges in women’s health. The discussions explored a wide range of crucial topics in women’s health, highlighting both advancements and persistent gaps that demand attention. 

A key point emphasized across the women’s health discussions at HLTH Europe was that for 51% of the population, this is not a niche issue—it's their health, wellbeing, and future that are currently being overlooked. Below, we’ve highlighted some additional key takeaways on women’s health, outlined during HLTH Europe. 

• Misdiagnosis and Diagnostic Delays: Women face delayed diagnoses in over 700 conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. For example, women suffering from heart attacks are seven times more likely to be misdiagnosed or sent home from emergency departments, which highlights a significant disparity in how serious conditions are recognized and treated in women.

• Lack of Focus on Non-Reproductive Health: Despite women living longer non-reproductive lives, healthcare continues to focus heavily on fertility. Speakers emphasized that while pregnancy represents only a small portion of a woman's lifespan, broader health issues like menopause and chronic conditions require greater attention.

• Educational Gaps in Women's Health for Healthcare Providers: A large portion of medical schools do not require education on critical women's health issues like menopause, hormonal health, and the impact of estrogen on disease. This educational gap leaves healthcare professionals underprepared to address many conditions that disproportionately or uniquely affect women, contributing to misdiagnosis and suboptimal care.

• The Increasing Role of Femtech in Women’s Health: Femtech is emerging as a vital sector addressing the unmet needs in women's health, from fertility treatments to diagnostic innovations. Companies developing user-friendly, at-home diagnostics and treatment options are helping bridge the gap in women's healthcare, offering more accessible solutions for issues that often go unrecognized or untreated.

We’re excited to see the conversation continue and bring you more updates at HLTH Vegas. For more insights on the topics covered at HLTH Europe, be sure to check out our eBook!