This year’s International Continence Society (ICS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia was attended by almost 100 physiotherapists from all over the world. Over a third of those professionals were from the USA and Canada. With the ever-increasing presence of physiotherapy and conservative management education venues, there were endless opportunities for learning and networking.
Not long ago, the POPPY trial confirmed the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in the management of pelvic organ prolapse. With that, a change in clinical practice followed. Findings presented this year by the COBALT and the ESTEEM trials will likely be pivotal as well regarding clinical practice for women post mid-urethral sling surgery and men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Particularly popular this year were abstract sessions on E-Technologies and Innovative Treatments. Digital e-health is present in a variety of trials addressing bladder and bowel dysfunction and postpartum health. The growing body of research in these areas is undoubtedly a reflection of change in clinical practice in pace with new technologies. It’s wonderful to see that many clinicians and researchers are embracing technological change, making it both approachable for patients, as well as instrumental to their therapy.
As the physiotherapy representative on the ICS Education Committee, I had the opportunity to review the submitted proposals for workshops. It was a delight to see that more physiotherapists are taking part and/or chairing workshops. Overall, 64 workshops were submitted and 32 were accepted. Physiotherapists were represented in 12 workshops with 5 chairing the sessions.
This year we also held the yearly physiotherapy forum as well as the classic pelvic floor exercise classes. The forum had expert presentations about physiotherapy management in disorders associated with oncology, paediatrics and anorectal dysfunction. The forum continues to be one of the best ways to network with colleagues from around the world. It is also great way of catching up with old and new friends.
On behalf of the Physiotherapy and the Education committee we would like to thank all the physiotherapists that attended and contributed to the meeting. We look forward to seeing you in Gothenburg next year.
Article by Paula Igualada-Martinez on behalf of the ICS Physiotherapy Committee