The power of digital platforms in promoting women's health
In an increasingly digital world, the potential of online platforms to influence health outcomes is immense.
During Women's Health Week 2024, we spotlight two inspiring individuals who are leveraging digital tools to improve women's health, each from a unique perspective.
Professor Helen Bourke-Taylor is an academic and occupational therapist at Monash University in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Professor Bourke-Taylor is the creator of the ‘Healthy Mothers Healthy Families’ program, and Kiana Pourhossein, is a second-year medical student who is actively using social media to document her study journey with over 10,000 followers on Instagram and 1.3M likes on TikTok.
Harnessing digital media for health education and support
Professor Bourke-Taylor, motivated by the challenges faced by mothers of children with disabilities, created the ‘Healthy Mothers Healthy Families’ program, a dedicated digital platform designed to educate and empower mothers of children with disability.
With over 25,000 users globally, this website has become a beacon of support and information for women who often put their families' needs before their own.
The website offers workshops, resources, research findings and shared wisdom of other mothers, to better support mothers to meet their important daily responsibilities of caring for their child with a disability, whilst also caring for themselves.
The website's accessibility means that women, regardless of location, can find resources that speak directly to their needs—a critical factor in promoting health equity.
Enhancing accessibility and effectiveness of digital health platforms
Making digital health resources accessible and effective for women requires a deep understanding of women’s unique needs and experiences.
Professor Bourke-Taylor says, "identifying digital resources that are relevant and tailored for women and their particular health issue is the most important step.”
Second-year Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine student, Kiana Pourhossein, suggests that digital platforms need to be mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and offer multilingual support. Incorporating real-life stories and testimonials can make the information more relatable, while interactive tools like symptom checkers and virtual consultations enhance user engagement. Involving women in user testing can also ensure that the platforms effectively meet their needs and preferences.
Tackling misinformation in women’s health
Misinformation in the digital space is a significant barrier to improving health outcomes, particularly in women's health. Both Professor Bourke-Taylor and Kiana recognise the dangers posed by incorrect or misleading information. Professor Bourke-Taylor highlights the specific challenges faced by mothers of children with higher care needs, such as the guilt associated with taking time for themselves, even to get to a GP or dentist appointment. Misinformation can exacerbate these challenges, leading to stress and further hindering these mothers from seeking necessary care.
To combat this, the ‘Healthy Mothers Healthy Families’ program provides evidence-based resources that direct mothers to appropriate health services.
Kiana emphasises the importance of sharing evidence-based content from reputable sources on social media. As a medical student, she actively monitors social media for misinformation and advocates for media literacy and critical thinking. By presenting accurate information in clear, engaging formats and collaborating with experts, Kiana plays a crucial role in ensuring that the digital health information shared is trustworthy and beneficial.
Advice for leveraging digital platforms
For those looking to leverage digital platforms for personal or professional growth, Professor Bourke-Taylor advises prioritising websites and resources with contributions from reputable authorities, such as Australian Government and medical experts. This approach minimises the risk of encountering misinformation.
Kiana encourages students to be authentic on social media, choosing a niche that genuinely interests them. By focusing on their passions, they can attract like-minded individuals and opportunities that align with their interests to foster both personal and professional growth.
As Women's Health Week 2024 unfolds, the stories of Professor Helen Bourke-Taylor and Kiana remind us of the power of digital platforms in promoting women's health. Whether through a dedicated website or social media, the potential to educate, empower, and support women in their health journeys is vast.
Click here to learn more about the ‘Healthy Mothers Healthy Families Program.
Follow Kiana’s study journey on Instagram here.