Demographic Implications Of Patient Perceptions Regarding Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy - A Geographic Case Study

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-1-2022

Publication Title

INTERNATIONAL UROGYNECOLOGY JOURNAL

Abstract

Introduction: While awareness of surgical options in women’s healthcare is commonplace, familiarity with conservative remediation for pelvic floor conditions remains limited. Although women are familiar with pelvic floor exercises, the majority do not perform them as needed and are unaware that pelvic floor therapists provide education and treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction conditions, such as pelvic pain. Objective: The objective of this study was to ascertain baseline knowledge of patients with the indications of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) in women’s health care, with a focus on racial variations. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was institutional review board approved and distributed to English-speaking women, over 18 years old, who receive general medical care at a large academic healthcare center in Northwestern Ohio. Study participants completed a 50-item questionnaire devised to assess awareness, perceived benefits, and treat ment indications along with methods of soliciting PFPT. Survey results were reported as descriptive statistics. Means were used for continuous variables, whereas percentages for true/false and agree/disagree questions. Analysis was performed using JMP software. Results: Survey response rate was 80% (343 surveys completed, 380 approached). The mean age was 47.5 (SD 16.9), with the majority of the patients being Caucasian (n=248, 71%) and African American (n=54, 16%), educated (n=263, 77%), and sexually active (n=245, 71%). Most patients (55%) had heard of the pelvic floor, but only 29% and 32% were familiar with PFPT and its indications, respectively. Similarly, 25% of menopausal women were familiar with PFPT compared to 37% of premenopausal women. While only 45% believed it could be covered by insurance, 199 (58%) believed it would be significantly expensive to justify out-of-pocket payment. Additionally, only 38% were familiar with routes of referral for treatment. Whereas 86% believed that PFPT involves multiple visits and 95% understand that it may be supplemented with home exercises, only 35% recognized the need for vaginal manipulation during therapy. When analyzing for racial or educational associations, variability was not noted relative to awareness of potential PFPT benefits and applications. However, minor variation was noted regarding familiarity with terminology and pelvic floor-related concepts. Conclusions: The survey suggests that familiarity with PFPT remains relatively low irrespective of race and education level. The gap in awareness of the benefits and intricacies of PFPT necessitates enhanced patient education efforts focused on conservative management methods with proven benefits.

Volume

33

Issue

SUPPL 2

First Page

S405

Last Page

S406

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