E-Posters-Understanding Barriers to Care for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Understanding Barriers to Care for Pelvic Floor Disorders - Isabel C Prieto, MD

Pdf Summary

A recent study conducted at the University of South Florida Health aimed to understand the barriers women face when seeking care for pelvic floor disorders (PFD). The study found that despite a predicted increase in the number of women seeking care for PFD by 2030, there is still a significant proportion of women who have never been evaluated for their condition. The primary objective of the study was to identify the characteristic differences in women who seek evaluation for PFD and to understand the barriers they face.<br /><br />The study involved a questionnaire given to patients at a Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery program over a five-month period. The questionnaire asked about referral patterns and barriers to receiving care for PFD. A total of 184 patients completed the survey.<br /><br />The results showed that patients who had not sought prior evaluation for their PFD had lived with their symptoms for a shorter period of time and had a lower educational degree compared to those who had sought evaluation. The main barrier reported by patients for not seeking prior evaluation was low symptom bother. Other reasons included concerns about surgery/testing and personal/family issues.<br /><br />The study highlights the need for increased access to care for PFD as the prevalence of these disorders continues to rise. By understanding the barriers patients face, healthcare providers can work towards finding ways to assist patients in overcoming these barriers.<br /><br />Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the barriers women face when seeking care for PFD and emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers to ensure that all women have access to appropriate care for their pelvic floor disorders.

Keywords

University of South Florida Health

barriers women face

seeking care

pelvic floor disorders

predicted increase

evaluation for PFD

characteristic differences

referral patterns

receiving care

symptom bother