E-Posters-Does the Origin of Referral to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Matter? Comparison of Referral Patterns and Patient Compliance Rates across FPMRS, Gynecology, and Urology

Does the Origin of Referral to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Matter? Comparison of Referral Patterns and Patient Compliance Rates across FPMRS, Gynecology, and Urology - Morgan E. Fullerton, MD

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The authors of this study examined referral patterns and patient compliance rates for pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) across different specialties. They reviewed referrals from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Urology to affiliated PFPT clinics at an academic medical center from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2018.<br /><br />The results showed that only 47.11% of patients referred to PFPT attended at least one session, and only 20.18% of PFPT initiators completed therapy. Referral diagnoses differed between specialties, but ultimately, patient utilization of PFPT was the same. There were significant differences in age, parity, and number of co-morbidities between referring specialties, but no differences were seen in the rates of PFPT contact, attendance, completion, and duration of therapy.<br /><br />The study found that the median duration of therapy was 40 days, and initiators of PFPT from OB/GYN referrals were younger. The completion rate for those who initiated therapy was 20.18%. There were no differences between referrals from FPMRS-GYN and FPMRS-URO in terms of patient characteristics, referral diagnoses, and attendance or completion rates.<br /><br />Overall, this study highlights the sub-optimal utilization of PFPT, with low attendance and completion rates. The findings suggest that the origin of referral to PFPT may not significantly impact patient compliance rates. Further evaluation is needed to determine the contributing factors to the sub-optimal utilization of PFPT.

Keywords

referral patterns

patient compliance rates

pelvic floor physical therapy

specialties

referrals

patient utilization

diagnoses

attendance

completion

sub-optimal utilization