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McEvoy K, Griffin R, Harris M, Moger H, Wright O, Nurkic I, Thompson J, Das R, Neumann P. Pessary management practices for pelvic organ prolapse among Australian health care practitioners: a cross-sectional study. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2519-2527. [PMID: 37222737 PMCID: PMC10590327 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05540-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Vaginal pessaries are a low-cost, effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and an alternative to surgery. Whilst traditionally pessary management (PM) has been provided by medical professionals, particularly gynaecologists, recent international studies found other professionals, including physiotherapists and nurses, may be involved. It is unknown which health care practitioners (HCPs) provide PM for POP in Australia or the distribution of services. METHODS In a cross-sectional study design, a self-reported electronic survey investigated Australian HCPs providing PM for POP. Purposive and snowball sampling targeted HCPs, professional organisations and health care facilities. Descriptive statistics described PM in relation to HCP professional profile, PM provision and geographical location. RESULTS There were 536 respondents (324 physiotherapists, 148 specialists, 33 general practitioners (GPs) and 31 nurses providing PM. Most worked within metropolitan regions (n = 332, 64%), 140 (27%) in rural, 108 (21%) in regional and 10 (2%) in remote areas. Most worked privately (n = 418, 85%), 153 (46%) worked publicly and 85 (17%) in both. Ring pessaries were most commonly used, followed by cube and Gellhorn. HCPs reported variable training in PM, and 336 (69%) had no mandatory workplace competency standard; however, 324 (67%) wanted further training. Women travelled long distances to access services. CONCLUSIONS Doctors, nurses and physiotherapists provided PM in Australia. HCPs had variable training and experience in PM, with rural and remote HCPs particularly wanting further training. This study highlights the need for accessible PM services, standardised and competency-based training for HCPs, and governance structures ensuring safe care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rebekah Das
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Dwyer L, Bugge C, Hagen S, Goodman K, Agur W, Dembinsky M, Graham M, Guerrero K, Hemming C, Khunda A, McClurg D, Melone L, Thakar R, Kearney R. Theoretical and practical development of the TOPSY self-management intervention for women who use a vaginal pessary for pelvic organ prolapse. Trials 2022; 23:742. [PMID: 36064727 PMCID: PMC9446823 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06681-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in women, where the downward descent of pelvic organs into the vagina causes symptoms which impacts quality of life. Vaginal pessaries offer an effective alternative to surgery for the management of POP. However, the need for regular follow-up can be burdensome for women and requires significant healthcare resources. The TOPSY study is a randomised controlled trial which aims to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of self-management of vaginal pessaries. This paper describes the theoretical and practical development of the self-management intervention. Methods The intervention was developed using the MRC complex intervention framework, normalisation process theory (NPT) and self-management theory. The intervention aims to boost perceived self-efficacy in accordance with Bandura’s social cognitive theory and is guided by the tasks and skills Lorig and Hollman describe as necessary to self-manage a health condition. Results The TOPSY intervention was designed to support women to undertake the medical management, role management and emotional management of their pessary. The six self-management skills described by Lorig and Hollman: problem-solving, decision-making, resource utilisation, formation of a patient-provider partnership role, action planning and self-tailoring, are discussed in detail, including how women were supported to achieve each task within the context of pessary self-management. The TOPSY intervention includes a self-management support session with a pessary practitioner trained in intervention delivery, a follow-up phone call 2 weeks later and ongoing telephone or face-to-face support as required by the woman initiated by contacting a member of the research team. Conclusions The TOPSY study intervention was developed utilising the findings from a prior service development project, intervention development and self-efficacy theory, relevant literature, clinician experience and feedback from pessary using women and members of the public. In 2022, the findings of the TOPSY study will provide further evidence to inform this important aspect of pessary management. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN62510577. Registered on June 10, 2017
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Dwyer
- The Warrell Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Carol Bugge
- Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Suzanne Hagen
- Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kirsteen Goodman
- Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wael Agur
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK.,School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Karen Guerrero
- Department of Urogynaecology, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christine Hemming
- Aberdeen Maternity Hospital & Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Aethele Khunda
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Doreen McClurg
- Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lynn Melone
- Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ranee Thakar
- Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - Rohna Kearney
- The Warrell Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Dwyer L, Dowding D, Kearney R. What is known from the existing literature about self-management of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse? A scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060223. [PMID: 35851026 PMCID: PMC9297214 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pelvic organ prolapse can be managed with a pessary. However, regular follow-up may deter women due to the inconvenience of frequent appointments, as well as preventing autonomous decision making. Pessary self-management may be a solution to these issues. However, there remains a number of uncertainties regarding pessary self-management. This scoping review aims to map available evidence about pessary self-management to identify knowledge gaps providing the basis for future research. DESIGN Scoping review as detailed in the review protocol. DATA SOURCES A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases and a handsearch were undertaken during May 2021 to identify relevant articles using the search terms 'pessary' and 'self-management' or 'self-care'. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data relevant to pessary self-management was extracted and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool used to assess empirical rigour. Thematic analysis was performed to evaluate the results. RESULTS The database search identified 82 publications. After duplicates and articles not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were removed, there were 23 eligible articles. A hand search revealed a further 19 articles, resulting in a total of 42 publications.Findings relevant to pessary self-management were extracted and analysed for the emergence of themes. Recurrent themes in the literature were; the characteristics of self-managing women; pessary care; factors associated with decision making about self-management; teaching self-management and cost benefit. CONCLUSIONS Pessary self-management may offer benefits to some women without increased risk. Some women do not feel willing or able to self-manage their pessary. However, increased support may help women overcome this. Further in-depth exploration of factors which affect women's willingness to self-manage their pessary is indicated to ensure better understanding and support as available for other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Dwyer
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester School of Health Sciences, Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Dowding
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester School of Health Sciences, Manchester, UK
| | - R Kearney
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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