Women receive fewer painkillers than men in emergencies

Anyone arriving at an emergency room in pain wants immediate help. However, a new study from the USA and Israel reveals that women are treated less quickly and effectively than men. What does the study show? +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The research team from Israel analysed over 22,000 patient records from the USA and Israel to determine whether and when patients received painkillers in the emergency room. The study revealed a clear "gender bias": 47% of men received painkillers compared to only 38% of women. Additionally, female patients waited 30 minutes longer for pain medication than male patients. What are the reasons? The study's authors suggest that healthcare staff perceive women as more likely to complain and exaggerate their pain. Consequently, male patients are taken more seriously when they express pain. This bias was present in both male and female healthcare staff. The authors also suspect that men may request painkillers more frequently.