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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 1/2021

01-01-2021 | Care | Original Article

A guide to physiotherapy in urogynecology for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira, Patricia Driusso, Jorge Milhem Haddad, Simone Botelho Pereira, Ana Carolina Nociti Lopes Fernandes, Debora Porto, Bianca Manzan Reis, Lilian Rose Mascarenhas, Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito, Elizabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Introduction and aim

Physiotherapy in urogynecology faces challenges to safely continuing its work, considering the adoption of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some guidelines have already been published for urogynecology; however, no specific documents have been produced on physiotherapy in urogynecology. This article aimed to offer guidance regarding physiotherapy in urogynecology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A group of experts in physiotherapy in women’s health performed a literature search in the Pubmed, PEDro, Web of Science and Embase databases and proposed a clinical guideline for physiotherapy management of urogynecological disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document was reviewed by other physiotherapists and a multidisciplinary panel, which analyzed the suggested topics and reached consensus. The recommendations were grouped according to their similarities and allocated into categories.

Results

Four categories of recommendations (ethics and regulation issues, assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction, health education and return to in-person care) were proposed. Telephysiotherapy and situations that need in-person care were also discussed. Regionalization is another topic that was considered.

Conclusion

This study provides some guidance for continuity of the physiotherapist's work in urogynecology during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the World Health Organization recommendations and the epidemiological public health situation of each region. Telephysiotherapy can also be used to provide continuity of the care in this area during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new perspectives for physiotherapy in urogynecology.
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Metadata
Title
A guide to physiotherapy in urogynecology for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors
Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira
Patricia Driusso
Jorge Milhem Haddad
Simone Botelho Pereira
Ana Carolina Nociti Lopes Fernandes
Debora Porto
Bianca Manzan Reis
Lilian Rose Mascarenhas
Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito
Elizabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira
Publication date
01-01-2021
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Keywords
Care
COVID-19
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04542-8

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