Multidisciplinary approach between physicians and physiotherapists in urogynecology: how can we make it stronger?
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EDITORIAL
Multidisciplinary approach between physicians and physiotherapists in urogynecology: how can we make it stronger? Glaucia Miranda Varella Pereira 1 & Patricia Driusso 2 & Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira 3 & Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito 1 Received: 17 May 2020 / Accepted: 28 May 2020 # The International Urogynecological Association 2020
Within the field of urogynecology, most societies have written guidelines recommending patient treatment with the assistance of more than one healthcare professional [1–3]. There are studies showing that the communication between healthcare professionals and the knowledge of each other’s roles and definitions are key factors that lead to a successful team and optimal patient outcomes [4]. Urogynecology is a field with a well-established role for physiotherapists; however, the term physiotherapy is often mistakenly used by physicians and other health professionals to be synonymous with physiotherapeutic resources or conservative treatment [5]. Physiotherapy is defined as services provided by physiotherapists to individuals and populations that seek to develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan [6]. The work of the physiotherapist focused in urogynecology originated within a broader role in women’s health physiotherapy [7]. Women’s health physiotherapists provide health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation, not only in urogynecology but also in breast diseases and obstetrics, being active throughout the woman’s life cycle. Moreover, pelvic floor physiotherapy is a term used to designate the physiotherapy work focused on the pelvic floor issues of children, men or women. Despite the amount of evidence-based literature demonstrating the role of physiotherapy in this area, randomized controlled trials (RCT) on costeffectiveness and studies on the barriers and facilitators for the teamwork of physicians and physiotherapists in urogynecology are scarce.
* Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito [email protected] 1
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Rua Alexander Fleming 101, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP 13083-881, Brazil
2
Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
3
Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Recent retrospective studies have revealed the importance of collaborative action between urogynecology and physical therapy in the treatment of female pelvic pain [8, 9]. When addressing pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction, physiotherapists can contribute to assessing and treating such women with the multidisciplinary approach, and clinical and scientific research indicate its efficacy and safety [10]. Concerning female urinary incontinence, there is evidence to support recommendations that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) should be routinely implemented as first-line treatment [11]. Multidisciplinary management of fecal incontinence has also been enco
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