Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng WK(1), Tsui LN(1), So SY(1), Lau KM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong East Cluster
Introduction :
Patients who were referred for incontinence in TWEH physiotherapy department received one off individual consultation only with unknown training effects in the past. In order to improve work efficiency and professional service quality, incontinence rehabilitation was restructured into group education program with updated and standardized education materials. Tele consultation service was also implemented for patient-centered follow-up care to support monitoring and personalized management.
Objectives :
To examine the clinical effectiveness of restructured physiotherapy incontinence rehabilitation service for patients with incontinence in TWEH.
Methodology :
Patients who were newly referred for incontinence care or pelvic floor exercise to TWEH out-patient physiotherapy department from November 2020 to July 2022 were recruited. Subjects who were unable to follow comprehensive instructions for group therapy were excluded. The remodeled rehabilitation program consisted of a one-hour small group education class and a three-month tele follow-up. Additional telephone consultation was provided if needed. Education on incontinence care as well as pelvic floor and bladder training were taught in class. Voiding diaries and supporting education pamphlets were also delivered. Follow-up was conducted by phone interview for re-assessment and progress monitoring. Tele-care service also provided professional recommendation and advice in addition to update clinical management plan. Outcome measures including Purpose Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) were assessed pre- and post- intervention to evaluate the impact of incontinence on quality of life. Numeric Global Rating of Change Scale (NGRCS) and patient satisfaction survey (0-20) were also recorded. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to examine the effectiveness of this program.
Result & Outcome :
18 females ages ranged from 56 to 73 years (mean=64.06; SD=5.30) completed the remodeled incontinence education program. Significant improvement was observed as measured by UDI-6 (mean=6.67 to 2.89, p<0.001) and IIQ-7 (mean=4.94 to 2.39, p=0.002). Patients showed satisfaction for incontinence education class with mean scored 17.67 out of 20 (SD=2.52). However, some patients showed relatively poor adherence to home exercise according to the follow-up interviews. The remodeled physiotherapy incontinence education program was efficient and effective to improve incontinence as well as quality of life. Nonetheless, further adaptation may be considered to promote continued exercise compliance.
