What's Happening?
A new €1.6 million initiative, funded by the EU's Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak programme, is set to test menopause technologies in Denmark and Sweden to help women remain in the healthcare workforce. The three-year Next Phase Femtech project will
evaluate three menopause technologies in real-world healthcare settings, aiming to generate evidence on how these tools can support women experiencing menopause while working in demanding clinical roles. The project will track outcomes such as symptoms, work ability, and perceived support, with the goal of providing valuable data on how menopause tech can support workforce participation. The initiative is led by the Research Unit in the Staff at Zealand University Hospital and involves multiple partners across Denmark and Sweden.
Why It's Important?
This project addresses a significant gap in women's health innovation by focusing on the impact of menopause on working women, particularly in healthcare. By providing evidence on the effectiveness of digital health tools in workplace settings, the project could influence how organizations worldwide support their female workforce. The data generated could lead to better workplace policies and support systems, potentially improving job retention and satisfaction among women experiencing menopause. This initiative highlights the importance of addressing menopause-related challenges in the workplace, which can have broader implications for workforce participation and gender equality in employment.
What's Next?
If successful, the project could pave the way for broader adoption of menopause technologies in various industries, not just healthcare. The findings may encourage other sectors to implement similar support systems, potentially leading to policy changes at organizational and governmental levels. Additionally, the project aims to support the commercial development of up to 30 women's health companies, which could lead to further innovations in menopause care and support. The initiative runs until June 2029, providing ample time to gather comprehensive data and insights.
