Fast Assessment, Start Treatment (FAST): a service model for conservative pelvic floor care

Author(s): S. Sheppard & A. Henderson - Pages: 30–36

Abstract

Fast Assessment, Start Treatment (FAST) is a new service model that has been developed by a team of specialist physiotherapists. The initiative focuses on providing patients with a shortened first assessment, and commencing treatment soon after their referral. From the outset, the interventions take the form of targeted self-help training. The FAST model replaces a 3–5-month wait for a longer, more in-depth assessment. In a pilot study, the team found that half of the patients whom they see are able to manage their conditions with self-care, and recover more quickly by starting self-treatment immediately. As a result, throughput in the pelvic floor clinic increased by approximately 50%. Furthermore, 48.1% of patients required only one appointment. All women are seen by one of five specially trained women’s health physiotherapists. This paper describes the piloting of the FAST service model, and the routine procedures involved in this management initiative.

Keywords: FAST assessment, pelvic floor dysfunction, physiotherapy, self-help training, service model.