Women-centered care: implementing a philosophy.

ABSTRACT

Women share many health problems in common with men, and therefore seek guidance from similar health professionals. However, there are biologic, psychological, social, economic, life-style, legal, and ethical issues that affect women and for which women require specialized knowledge and care. The primary goal of improving women's health should continue to be the criterion for evaluating the components of the ideal model for a women's center. A center should be fluid enough to be accepted by patients, economical enough to complement existing clinical settings, and creative enough to improve substantially the health of women through services, education, and research.