AUTHOR=Haupt Sue , Carcel Cheryl , Halliday Lily , Billiards Saraid , Carson Lyn , Redman Kyle , Lappan-Newton Scott , Aubrey Karin R. , Bickendorf Xander , Bourke Jane E. , Buchert Michael , Duarte Jessica Da Gama , Dasvarma Ayan , Drake-Brockman Thomas F. E. , Drysdale Kerryn , Dymock Stephen C. C. , Eadie Laura N. , Eckersley-Maslin Melanie , Eissmann Moritz Falk , Fazio James , Haire Bridget G. , Holder Melinda , Kleppe Nicole , Knight Ken , Mauclair Jonathan , Northcott Celine , Oliver Brian G. G. O. , O'Mara Tracy A. , Pang Ken , Philpot Steven , Purves-Tyson Tertia D. , Stewart-Olsen Jacob , Ursich Lauren , Vukelic Natalia , Yakou Marina H. , Graham Bronwyn , Lamon Severine , Huxley Rachel , Thompson Kelly , Bennett-Brook Keziah , Jenkins Christine , Wainer Zoe , Woodward Mark , Chappell Louise , Norton Robyn 

TITLE=Catalysing change in health and medical research policy: an Australian case study of deliberative democracy to reform sex and gender policy recommendations

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1522213

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1522213

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Revising public health policy based on new data does not happen automatically. This is acutely relevant to the now undeniable evidence that many diseases develop differently between the sexes and may also be affected by gender. Current health and medical practices across the globe generally fail to cater for sex and gender effects in common diseases. Inadequate policy frameworks to guide the comprehensive inclusion of sex and gender in research jeopardises scientific rigour and ultimately the practices they underpin. To ensure that Australian health and medical research is fit-for-purpose, we realised that potent initiatives would be necessary to expedite strategic reframing of thought and behaviour. Here we report on our innovative engagement of end-users for democratic self-determined policy reform to guide health and medical research, based on robust data. We draw upon our specific study to outline seven key steps that can be adopted to accelerate effective change, across a breadth of evidence-based initiatives to reform health policies.