51²è¹Ý¶ù

Our Women's HealthTech Innovation Network (WHIN) is holding its next event on 17 September, 1-3 pm (hybrid: in-person and online). 

We are looking forward to hearing from  about her work on cervical screening for women with physical disabilities, and from Dr Patience Amos about , a culturally grounded digital health platform for Black women. 

Talk titles and summaries:

Improving access to cervical screening for physically Disabled people

Professor Sue Sherman, 51²è¹Ý¶ù

Summary

Cervical screening is a physically challenging procedure for many people. There has been little research exploring the cervical screening experiences of physically Disabled people despite them being less likely to attend screening. Existing research has revealed considerable physical and attitudinal barriers for Disabled people, which are not adequately addressed by installing ramps or referring patients to a facility with a hoist. The recent introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) primary testing to the screening programme and the imminent introduction of HPV self-testing may provide a solution for some but not all Disabled people. In this talk, I will present findings from our NIHR-funded research which includes data from1500 physically Disabled women and people with a cervix and 335 cervical sample takers as well as initial recommendations from our recent World Cafe event attended by patients, smear takers and patient charities.  

Building MyLurah: Creating a Digital Health Platform for Black and African Women’s Health 

Dr Patience Amos,

Summary

Black women continue to experience significant disparities in reproductive and maternal health, yet many digital health solutions are not designed with their needs in mind. This talk will share the journey of building MyLurah, a culturally relevant FemTech platform supporting women through menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum. I will discuss the importance of designing inclusive digital health solutions, key lessons from building a health technology startup, and the opportunities for innovation, research, and collaboration to improve women’s health outcomes. 

The event will also include structured networking activities.