Filling the gap: the use of a vaginal pessary device in patient-centred care for the non-surgical management of prolapse.

Author(s): K. Lough & C. Brown - Pages: 16–21

Abstract

Pessary management for pelvic organ prolapse should be considered for all women who have troublesome symptoms. Although there is a lack of high-quality evidence relating to pessary use and its effectiveness, various studies are now reviewing specific aspects of pessary care. The recently published UK Clinical Guideline for Best Practice in the Use of Vaginal Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse includes information that is intended to inform and empower pessary users, and allow them to manage their expectations. It also presents a multidisciplinary competency framework for training, and recommendations for levels of supervision, observation and assessment of competence. In accordance with the aims of the guideline group, emerging and future evidence will be reviewed for subsequent updates. Further work with national professional networks is required to finalize training pathways for physiotherapists.

Keywords: multidisciplinary competency framework, non-surgical management, patient centred care, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal pessary device.