Expanding the Knowledge of Occupational Therapy’s Role in Pelvic Health Among Referring Physicians within the Veteran Affairs System

Speakers:

• Anissa Evans OTD/S
• Tania Shearon, DHSc, OTR/L, C-IAYT
• Abbey Glenn, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, ECHM

Learner Outcomes:

1. Increase participants' knowledge of OT's role in pelvic floor therapy
2. Increase knowledge of services within the valley, for increased patients access to services

Abstract:

Pelvic floor dysfunction is described as dysfunction that occurs in the pelvis resulting in an interruption of bladder, bowel, and sexual health functioning. Dysfunction results in a reduction of quality of life among patients limiting participation in activities of daily living and increased social isolation. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is shown to be beneficial by using a mix of physical and behavioral interventions during care provided by certified professionals such as occupational and physical therapists. Pelvic health rehabilitation is an emerging practice in the field of occupational therapy, where practitioners use holistic approaches to manage dysfunction.

However, most patients in veterans healthcare systems experience delays in accessing services due to limited knowledge on pelvic floor rehabilitation services, unwillingness to engage in conversations of dysfunction, and decreased trust amongst physicians. To increase patient access to care within the veterans affairs system, an educational presentation was given to physicians in the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare system describing the effects dysfunction has on patients, occupational therapy’s role in the speciality, and provided information on the referral process.

A retrospective pre- and post- survey was provided to participants to determine if a change in knowledge occurred. It was found that participants experienced an increase in knowledge of pelvic floor services, were likely to refer patients to services, and understood the referral process of services. Though an increase in knowledge occurred, a continuation of efforts to advocate for more access services and additional information of the referral process should be provided.

 

 

Biography of Speaker(s):

Anissa Evans is a recent graduate of A. T. Still University. Anissa demonstrated a passion for pelvic floor therapy after attending the OT's in Pelvic Health Summit in 2023 and wanted to explore OT's role within the specialty during her capstone process. After contacting an occupational therapist running a pelvic floor clinic at the VA in Prescott, it was determined that a barrier faced included low referrals. Anissa found it imperative to increase physicians' knowledge to increase Veterans' access to services. Anissa found that physicians' knowledge was increased; however, further education regarding the topic would be beneficial for continued knowledge of services. Upon graduation, Anissa hopes to work in an inpatient or outpatient setting and will continue to advocate for access to services within the valley community.

 

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