Empowering BAME Women Through Inclusive Menopause Education: Starting the Conversation (2025)

Dartford MODEL PCN

Project summary

There is currently a 5:1 disparity in HRT provision between white and ethnic minority women across Kent and Medway. Recognising this, our PCN successfully bid for population health management funding to explore and address this inequity within our own patient population.

Using Eclipse, a patient safety and risk stratification tool, we identified BAME women aged 45–55 who were not currently prescribed HRT. These patients were proactively contacted and invited to attend a pharmacist-led menopause clinic. The clinic provided personalised support, including education on menopause symptoms, HRT options, signposting to local menopause cafés, exercise and diet resources, and general health advice.

To ensure high-quality care, we used part of the funding to upskill one of our pharmacists, who shadowed specialist menopause clinics at the local hospital and is currently undertaking the BMS Management of Menopause Certificate. This has not only enhanced their confidence and competence in managing complex cases but also fostered lasting connections with secondary care.

We also developed partnerships with local voluntary and private sector services to ensure wraparound support for patients. Additionally, our PCN MSK physiotherapist is co-developing an exercise leaflet tailored for menopausal women, further strengthening our holistic offer.

Since launching the clinics in January, 99 of the 519 identified patients have attended, with 16 initiated on HRT and additional clinics still scheduled, Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients highlighting increased understanding, confidence, and access to support they had not previously known was available. Early patient-reported outcomes suggest improved symptom control and quality of life.

Although this project was funded through a one off grant, it has laid a strong foundation. We are now exploring sustainable models to continue and expand the service to women of all ethnicities aged 45–55 across the PCN. This includes the introduction of group education clinics to increase reach and efficiency, supported by our established community partnerships.

While a formal return on investment has not been calculated, the anticipated long-term benefits include reduced GP workload, improved patient wellbeing, and potentially lower secondary care usage due to better-managed menopausal symptoms. Specifically for this project, it also aims to reduce the disparity in menopause education between white and ethnic minority women.