Not Alone: ‘Many patients assume they are the only ones struggling…’

That’s why Emily Rutledge, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Houston Methodist, is working toward change. “It can be challenging for obstetricians with such limited time during patient visits to adequately discuss PFDs with pregnant patients,” Rutledge explained. “Through our recent research study, we found that an intervention as simple as providing a pamphlet with tailored educational information can significantly increase pregnant patients’ PFD knowledge.”

The study, published in Urogynecology, involved randomizing 120 pregnant patients into two groups: one that only received written educational pamphlets, and one that received the same pamphlet and attended a virtual, interactive workshop led by a pelvic floor physical therapist. Knowledge of PFDs were measured before and after the intervention using a validated questionnaire. Participants in both groups increased their knowledge of PFDs, with no difference in knowledge between groups. These findings show that a simple intervention such as providing patients with well-written, tailored information does effectively increase their knowledge of PFD risk and treatment options. “The hope is that these educational materials can foster a more streamlined conversation between healthcare providers and patients, so that patients can make better-informed decisions about their health,” Rutledge said.