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A case study project to establish effective delivery of physiotherapy-led pelvic health education among women during the childbearing year
Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) ; 114:e61-e62, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1703615
ABSTRACT
Keywords Pelvic Health Education, Childbearing Year

Purpose:

This project was undertaken as the final part of my MSc in Professional Practice at the University of Kent. The project aim was to establish whether current timing and method of physiotherapy-led pelvic health education (PPHE) was effective in engaging women with the education and advice provided.

Methods:

This project was undertaken using a case study methodology. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken via video (due to Covid-19 restrictions) with five purposively selected participants. Participants all met the bound ‘case’ of being postnatal, multiparous women who had experienced PPHE during their recent childbearing year, but not during previous childbearing years. These five interviews were then analysed using the inductive, four-stage thematic analysis framework (Green et al., 2007).

Results:

Thematic analysis identified three key themes ‘ability to assimilate the PPHE message’, ‘timing of the PPHE message’ and ‘method of delivering the PPHE message’. Three factors- ‘assimilation’, ‘timing’ and ‘delivery of the message’- emerged from these themes as influences on the effectiveness of PPHE. ‘Assimilation’ was identified as the overarching influence, as timing and delivery of the message are less important if the information cannot be assimilated by the recipient. However, ‘timing’ and ‘delivery of the message’ remain significant influences and all three themes continue to relate to one another. Conclusion(s) ‘Assimilation’- Provision of education is not the same as client understanding and physiotherapists should consider women's current circumstances and past experiences, while utilising effective communication and appropriate attitudes that are suited to each individual situation. This may enhance women's ability to assimilate the PPHE message, and consequently, its effectiveness. ’Timing’- Consensus among the five participants was that antenatal provision of PPHE may be most effective. However, advantages and disadvantages of were identified for all timings across the childbearing year. Some topics within the scope of PPHE may also be better suited to specific timings, enabling assimilation of that particular information. Current timing of PPHE (acute postnatal with later postnatal follow-up at 4-6 weeks) was considered by some as effective. ’Delivery of the PPHE Message’- Consensus among the five participants was that PPHE was effective when provided verbally and supported with written information. Some participants suggested that alternative sources, such as apps, may aid effective provision. Group and individual provision of PPHE was also discussed by participants, and preferences varied depending on the timing of provision. For example, groups may be preferred antenatally, whereas one-to-one may be preferred acutely postnatally. Impact The results of this project are not generalisable due to its methodology. However, the researcher has a greater understanding of factors influencing women's engagement with PPHE during the childbearing year. and will be used to inform practice and service development locally. This should lead to discourse among clinicians, managers and commissioners within maternity care regarding factors that influence the effectiveness of education provided during the childbearing year. It adds to the paucity of current evidence, and may inspire further research within physiotherapy and, potentially, midwifery. Funding acknowledgements Funding for the module where I undertook project proposal was supported by the therapy department at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, and funding for the module that supported project execution was funded by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Case report / Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Case report / Experimental Studies Language: English Journal: Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) Year: 2022 Document Type: Article