Health, work and spirituality values predict attendance at pelvic floor muscle training sessions

Author(s): L.A. Osborne, C.M. Whittall, H. Hanratty, S. Emery, P. Reed - Pages: 45 -52

Abstract

Patient life values have been shown to influence outcomes in several healthcare contexts, but the impact of these beliefs on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) is unknown. To investigate this topic, the nature of life values in women with pelvic floor dysfunction, and the relationship of these beliefs with their attendance at PFMT sessions, were assessed in two prospective observational studies. Consecutively referred adult females with pelvic floor dysfunction were recruited at a women’s health physiotherapy clinic in the urogynaecological outpatient unit of a UK hospital. The attendance of two cohorts of patients at sessions of a 6-month PFMT programme was monitored, and their values were measured using either the Personal Values Questionnaire II (cohort 1) or the Life Values Inventory (cohort 2). Additionally, the participants’ PFM strength was measured using the modified
Oxford scale and the Queensland Female Pelvic Floor Questionnaire. Although patients in both cohorts reported that their relationships with their family and friends were the most important aspects of their lives, it was health, work/achievement and spiritual values that predicted attendance at the PFMT sessions. Patient values have an impact on physiotherapy adherence, and should be considered in future assessment/screening procedures.
Keywords: patient attendance, social values, spirituality, urinary incontinence.