Bia Care teams with Imperial College to tackle women’s health inequalities

Menopause health start-up Bia Care has launched a randomised control trial that aims to tackle women’s health inequalities.

The research will be conducted in partnership with Imperial College London in order to bring together the work of national thought leaders on menopause inequality. It will build on the work of social campaigners and grassroots organisations.

Fernanda Dobal, CEO and cofounder, Bia Care said: “FemTech is the answer to closing the gender and racial health gaps. Digital health has shown its ability to overcome health inequalities across many clinical areas, such as long-term conditions, and mental health, however, women’s health has largely been overlooked. This randomised control trial gives a voice to this topic, that cannot be ignored.”

The trial was announced shortly after the company secured additional funding from the NHS to extend the digital platform roll out. It helps women to book appointments, attend group online consultations with doctors and get a personalised plan for menopause management. Women can also arrange any treatments needed to be delivered to their homes.

Speaking with FemTech World, Hannah Gibson, head of partnerships at Bia Care explained:  The importance of a randomised control trial cannot be underestimated. Women’s health has struggled with being a low priority for decades (the UK has the largest gender health gap of all G20 nations), but that is amplified significantly when we consider racial and cultural health inequalities in the UK health system.

This study will give a voice to the unheard, we know that 25 per cent of people leave employment because their menopause is unmanageable, but people have never before been able to design a menopause service that meets their needs.

In this study, Bia Care is working with local people, and the local health economy to design a menopause service that meets the needs of everyone. The service will deliver care predominantly in virtual group consultations, as we know this improves patient experience, and also removes waiting times as well as reaching a greater number of women for the same cost to the NHS. The outcome of the study will be evidence showing how we can overcome health inequalities in menopause care.”

Bia Care and menopause studies

Bia Care is working with the UK’s thought leaders in health inequality and menopause. Phase 1 of the study will be about understanding what barriers exist to menopause care, and how this impacts a person’s life. Phase 2 will be an evaluation of an intervention.

Hannah added: “There is a paucity of previous research into this area. Limited research has shown poor messaging around menopause often leads to confusion and a feeling of discontent from the health system. The reality is that we have never before given a voice to people who live with menopause symptoms and are more likely to experience health inequalities.”