Patients' experiences of participating in physiotherapeutic telerehabilitation for postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction; a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition, yet access to evidence-based rehabilitation remains limited. Access to telerehabilitation is growing, but there is a lack of knowledge about patients' experiences of participating in telerehabilitation. The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of participating in physiotherapeutic telerehabilitation for postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction.

METHODS

Women who had participated in postpartum pelvic floor telerehabilitation were recruited by physical therapists in a primary health care setting across Sweden. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.

RESULTS

The findings generated the main category, "Telerehabilitation - a complementary piece of a puzzle", with three underlying categories: (1) Digital format enables equity, highlighting improved accessibility, flexibility, and support for active participation; (2) Digital participation requires advanced communication, emphasizing the importance of communicating skills, body awareness, and reliable technology; and (3) Doubting digital format, reflecting concerns regarding the absence of physical examination, hands-on guidance, and interpersonal interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, telerehabilitation was perceived as an appropriate complement to physical visits for patients with postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, improving accessibility and continuity of care. Through implementing a hybrid model of care, it may be possible to offer more person-centered rehabilitation care. These findings provide valuable insights from the patient's perspective that can guide physical therapists and policy makers in tailoring postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation interventions.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.