What's Happening?
The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls has brought attention to gender bias in the design of surgical devices, which disproportionately affects female surgeons. Many surgical instruments and protective equipment have been traditionally
designed using data based on male physical characteristics, leading to systemic challenges for women in the field. This issue was addressed in a recent workshop led by Team Consulting at the Women at the Cutting Edge event, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The workshop aimed to tackle these biases by engaging surgeons in discussions about the impact of device design on performance and health, and exploring solutions for more inclusive design practices.
Why It's Important?
The gender bias in surgical device design has significant implications for the healthcare industry, particularly for female surgeons who face increased risks of discomfort, impaired performance, and long-term health issues. For instance, standard lead protection garments often fail to adequately protect breast tissue, contributing to a higher incidence of breast cancer among female orthopedic surgeons. Addressing these biases is crucial for ensuring that all surgeons, regardless of gender, can perform their duties effectively and safely. This initiative also highlights the need for collaboration between designers, engineers, and medical professionals to create ergonomic and inclusive surgical tools.
What's Next?
The workshop has sparked interest among participants to join a surgical network aimed at contributing insights and experiences to inform future surgical device innovation. This collaboration is expected to lead to the development of more inclusive and effective surgical tools. The ongoing dialogue between designers and clinicians will be essential in challenging existing data gaps and creating designs that accommodate diverse user needs. The initiative underscores the importance of early engagement with clinical experts and the use of diverse anthropometric data in the design process.
Beyond the Headlines
The issue of gender bias in surgical device design reflects broader societal challenges related to gender equality in the workplace. It highlights the need for systemic changes in how medical devices are developed and the importance of considering diverse user needs in design processes. This initiative could serve as a model for other industries to address similar biases and promote inclusivity. The long-term impact of these efforts could lead to a more equitable healthcare system where all practitioners have the tools they need to succeed.
