Evaluation of a pelvic health physiotherapy service in remote Australia

Abstract

Pelvic health physiotherapy care is considered best practice for managing many pelvic health conditions. However, access to pelvic health physiotherapy varies greatly, and may be lacking in rural and remote areas of Australia. This study reports an evaluation of a new pelvic health physiotherapy service model in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, undertaken from July–December 2021. The objective of this evaluation was to document patient and service outcomes, consumer satisfaction and key stakeholder feedback, to guide ongoing need and development of such a service. A total of 113 referrals were managed by the new service, resulting in over 199 appointments and involving 77 patients. Many of the 60 patients who attended their booked appointments had significant symptoms and most (76.7%) had experienced symptoms for more than one year. Consumer feedback was positive, and all key stakeholders reported it was either moderately, very, or extremely important that the new service continue. This evaluation demonstrated a clear need and support for pelvic health physiotherapy services in the region, and documented a successful model of care, working alongside the existing generalist physiotherapy model. Future priorities are to implement culturally-informed models of pelvic health care to improve access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with pelvic health conditions, and to examine other service models that improve access to pelvic health physiotherapy in under-served regions.