Introduction:
Occupational therapists utilize a top-down evaluation that process that starts with participation. OTPs are holistic healthcare providers that are inherently human-centered, which aligns with the ICF framework’s emphasis on participation as the targeted outcome for healthcare services. Pelvic dysfunction is often complex, with negative implications on a person’s ability to engage in the occupations they want and need to do in daily life. To make informed decisions regarding evaluation and treatment planning, it is important for OTPs to understand the impact of the dysfunction.
Objectives:
We developed an occupation-based tool for pelvic health evaluation that allows OTPs to evaluate the breadth of impact the dysfunction has, prioritize the patient’s targeted outcomes, and measure the impact of intervention on the full scope of occupations, including pain experience.
Approach:
OTPs address pelvic dysfunction that is structural, functional, contextual, cognitive, and psychosocial in origin. We know our unique approach to practice, but rely heavily on the assessments of other professions in the evaluation. Limitations of existing assessments do not capture the breadth of impact dysfunction has on participation in a quantifiable manner.
Practice Implications:
This tool highlights the distinct value of OT in pelvic health by guiding occupation-based, client-centered goals and treatment. It helps OTPs measure progress throughout intervention and assess the breadth of impact therapy can have on participation in occupation.
Outcomes:
Participants will learn how to administer, score, and interpret this tool as part of the comprehensive occupation-based pelvic health evaluation. All participants will receive free access to the tool.