Pelvic floor dysfunction: a scoping study exploring current service provision in the UK, interprofessional...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Services Research
• Public Health
• Urogynecology

Background:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) presents significant socioeconomic and healthcare burdens.
• Current UK service provision for PFD requires investigation to identify improvement areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current UK service provision for PFD.
• To identify gaps and areas for improvement in PFD care.
• To inform future service development for PFD.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase study involving a scoping literature review, a survey of 243 frontline practitioners (medical, nursing, physiotherapy), and synthesis.
• Utilized an interpretative analytical framework focused on interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration.

Main Results:

• Limited empirical evidence exists on PFD service provision; no overarching UK strategy was identified.
• Wide variation in access, availability, and delivery models across disciplines; barriers include time, attitudes, standardization, and investment.
• Key improvement areas: access, team working, funding, education, and awareness.

Conclusions:

• UK PFD services are fragmented, with asynchronous delivery, low investment, and poor interprofessional integration.
• An improved service delivery model, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and resource efficiency, can enhance patient outcomes.