Female heart patients more likely to survive if treated by women doctors

A US study has suggested that women who suffer a heart attack are more likely to recover if treated by a female doctor.

The study of nearly 600,000 cases over a period of 19 years found that 13.3% of patients died following treatment by a male doctor, compared with 12% after being cared for by a female.

The researches said that one theory is that male doctors may be worse at treating women.

The study’s lead scientist, Dr Seth Carnahan of Washington University, said “Our work corroborates prior research showing that female doctors tend to produce better patient outcomes than male doctors.

“The novel part of what we are doing is showing that the benefit of having a female doctor is particularly stark for a female patient.”

However, the study cannot prove that the presence of female doctors improve survival rates.

Senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, Maureen Talbot, said that the charity had undertaken previous research which had already shown a “worrying difference” in treatment provided to male and female heart patients.

She said “While this study supports this theory, more research is needed in UK hospitals to see if the bias exists here.

“It’s important that we better understand what is causing this variation in care.

“And the BHF is already funding research into how we can improve the outcomes of women who have a heart attack.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738