[The small difference in medicine. A survey on the acceptance of gender-related aspects in medicine].
BACKGROUND
Gender medicine investigates sex-related differences in morbidity and mortality. The consideration of relevant sex-specific factors should lead to an improvement in prevention, diagnosis and therapy. The goal of this survey was to obtain a picture of the current status and the future potential of gender medicine from the perspective of clinicians.


METHODS
A questionnaire on gender medicine in education, diagnosis, therapy and research was sent to all professors as well as a random sample of assistant medical directors specializing in gynaecology, cardiology and neurology at German university hospitals.


RESULTS
The response rate was 55% (N = 136). The present importance of gender medicine in Germany was rated by 83% of the respondents as low, and 62% said that gender medicine should be a required subject during medical studies. Through more consideration of gender-specific aspects, 72% expect a more exact diagnosis, 80% more specific treatment, 77% the avoidance of secondary complications, 64% a reduction of mortality and 73% the reduction of consequential costs.


CONCLUSIONS
The current importance of gender medicine is assessed as rather low. The vast majority of the doctors expect clear improvements in patient medical care when the connection between gender and health are given more consideration.
Nocon
M
M
Institut für Sozialmedizin, Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsökonomie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Marc.Nocon@charite.de
Witt
C M
CM
Willich
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D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002309:Cardiology; D004501:Education, Medical; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006176:Gynecology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009462:Neurology; D008486:Physician Executives; D011287:Prejudice; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires