An International Survey of Women's and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Organizational Practice

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: The current International Organization of Physical Therapists in Pelvic and Women's Health (IOPTPWH) “scope of practice” document was disseminated in 2013 and based on a survey fielded in 1999-2000. The scope of practice within this field is evolving, necessitating an updated “scope of practice” document. Objective: To collect data from IOPTPWH member organizations' chief delegates on the focus and practice of their organizations. Study Design: Online survey. Methods and Measure: A validated survey was electronically fielded to the 30 IOPTPWH member organizations. Chief delegates responded on behalf of their member organizations. Multiple choice and open-ended questions were asked. Responses and frequency counts were analyzed. Results: Nineteen of the 30 member organizations responded to the survey. All respondents reported that their organizations focused on at least 1 subcondition within obstetrics and urological/pelvic floor dysfunction. Fifteen of the 19 member organizations reported a focus on at least 1 subcondition within gastrointestinal health, reproductive health, pelvic pain, and sexual disorders. Responses presented an increase in organizational focus on men, children, and transgender individuals. Conclusions: Practice in women's health physical therapy is evolving, as evidenced by changes in organizational focus on particular patient populations and conditions noted by survey respondents. Findings from this survey may serve as a resource for the development of an updated IOPTPWH “scope of practice” document. A video abstract for this article is available at: http://links.lww.com/JWHPT/A30.