Abstract
Introduction and Hypothesis
The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q) is an outcome measure used mainly by gynaecologists which has no standardised training package. We hypothesised that a training package consisting of a formal training session and clinical training sessions would allow physiotherapists to be trained to independently perform the POP-Q.
Methods
A training package was designed to train physiotherapists to use the POP-Q system as part of another study. Progress through the training, and instances of additional training were observed. A focus group was conducted to explore the training from the point of view of the physiotherapists, and descriptive themes were reported.
Results
Six physiotherapists with a range of experience in women’s health, attended a formal training session and three or four supervised clinical training sessions. Instances of informal discussion with colleagues, repeated viewing of the American Urogynecological Society POP-Q training DVD, and self-development of 3-d models to demonstrate the POP-Q system were observed. The focus group indicated that the physiotherapists had gained a good conceptual understanding of the POP-Q, but were not always confident when performing the examination. Physiotherapists would have appreciated additional clinical training and the opportunity for discussion with experienced colleagues.
Conclusions
A training package consisting of a formal training session and clinical training sessions, assisted by self-development of 3-d models, was successful in training six physiotherapists to use the POP-Q with a good level of conceptual understanding. Confidence in performing the POP-Q was restricted by the limited opportunities for clinical practice and discussion with colleagues.
The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q) is an outcome measure used mainly by gynaecologists which has no standardised training package. We hypothesised that a training package consisting of a formal training session and clinical training sessions would allow physiotherapists to be trained to independently perform the POP-Q.
Methods
A training package was designed to train physiotherapists to use the POP-Q system as part of another study. Progress through the training, and instances of additional training were observed. A focus group was conducted to explore the training from the point of view of the physiotherapists, and descriptive themes were reported.
Results
Six physiotherapists with a range of experience in women’s health, attended a formal training session and three or four supervised clinical training sessions. Instances of informal discussion with colleagues, repeated viewing of the American Urogynecological Society POP-Q training DVD, and self-development of 3-d models to demonstrate the POP-Q system were observed. The focus group indicated that the physiotherapists had gained a good conceptual understanding of the POP-Q, but were not always confident when performing the examination. Physiotherapists would have appreciated additional clinical training and the opportunity for discussion with experienced colleagues.
Conclusions
A training package consisting of a formal training session and clinical training sessions, assisted by self-development of 3-d models, was successful in training six physiotherapists to use the POP-Q with a good level of conceptual understanding. Confidence in performing the POP-Q was restricted by the limited opportunities for clinical practice and discussion with colleagues.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | POGP Journal |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2017 |
Keywords
- training
- physiotherapists
- pelvic organ prolapse