Physical Therapy for Better Birth: Recommendations to Create an Educational Program for Birth Workers Open Access
Ochuko, Bridget (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Background: Maternal morbidity can encompass a wide range of issues that often occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period that can manifest as persisting physical ailments and affect an individual’s quality of life. Research has suggested the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to care for birthing people, particularly those facing high-risk pregnancy or those from marginalized population. Gaps remain in the understanding and implementation of beneficial short- and long-term pregnancy and postpartum care to maximize function and improve quality of life for birthing people. Together, pelvic floor physical therapists and doulas are both well positioned to address the gap in PFPT underutilization, particularly among marginalized populations. Doulas may be an important connection to PFPT for their clients.
Objective: The goal of this project was to identify gaps in doulas’ knowledge regarding the role of physical therapy in pelvic floor health throughout the continuum of pregnancy and postpartum and to assess doulas’ perceptions of racial disparities in maternal health.
Methods: In-depth, 30-minute qualitative interviews were conducted with all participants (n=20). Interviews were held virtually via Google Meet Software.
Results: Though participants were often able to recognize pelvic floor dysfunction, the majority of participants emphasized that they do not have adequate education in the area of pelvic floor physical therapy and pelvic floor function and were interested to learn more. Participants also detailed experiences of race impacting their clients in a negative way within the birthing space, particularly for their Black birthing clients. Finally, participants discussed the state of maternal health today and the changes that should be made to improve the system.
Implications for Practice: Based on the data collected, recommendations were made to guide the development of educational materials to provide birthing professionals with tools to recognize and address these issues within their scope of practice, and to connect their patients to physical therapy care when needed.
Conclusion: This needs assessment identified current knowledge among doulas in this sample regarding pelvic floor function, the influence that racial health disparities have on birthing experiences and outcomes, and educational opportunities to increase physical therapy/inter-professional involvement in birthing and postpartum support.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………1
LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………………2
METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………….24
RESULTS…………………………………………………………………………………30
DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………………….64
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………..…68
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS……………………………………………….…..77
CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………...79
REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………….......80
APPENDIX A: FUTURE PROGRAM TOOLS…………………………………….....84
APPENDIX B: QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE………………………………93
APPENDIX C: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION COLLECTION TOOL……....94
APPENDIX D: CODEBOOK FOR TRANSCRIPT ANALYSIS…………………….95
APPENDIX E: PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………......98
About this Master's Thesis
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Physical Therapy for Better Birth: Recommendations to Create an Educational Program for Birth Workers () | 2022-04-21 12:03:08 -0400 |
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