Hypothesis / aims of study
This is the first study investigating barriers and facilitators for postnatal women accessing treatment with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP symptoms up to one year postnatally is reported between 33-79% [1]. Postnatal women with POP cannot fulfil parental caring responsibilities, will adapt activities of daily living to manage symptoms and are five times more likely to have postnatal depression [2]. Conservative management of POP is a high priority due to global restrictions in POP surgery using mesh [3] and the new importance placed on non-surgical management. Exploration of the barriers and facilitators will help improve health outcomes for women and redesign pelvic health services.
Study design, materials and methods
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with postnatal women with pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (n=2), pelvic health physiotherapists (n=2), primary and secondary care nurses (n=2) and general practitioners (n=2). Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Interpretation of results
This work has highlighted improvements need to be made in the way clinicians’ approach postnatal prolapse. Ongoing training in pelvic health conditions for clinicians treating women is vital. Standardising post-natal screening with a vaginal examination and offering all conservative management options should be a priority. Effectiveness data is required in the conservative treatments for postnatal prolapse to support these recommendations.