Obstetricians' and Gynecologists' Awareness of the Part Physiotherapy Plays In Patient Management in Abbottabad City of Pakistan

Fatima, ., Zunaira F, Ujala F, Ayesha F and Umber F

Published on: 2025-01-02

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find out how much Abbottabad's obstetricians and gynecologists knew about the use of physiotherapy for treating obstetric and gynecological disorders as well as the barriers preventing its use to obstetric and gynecological diseases.

Methodology: Data was gathered from OB/GYN physicians who were working in Abbottabad hospitals and clinics and had at least one year of experience in the field for this cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was the method used for sampling. SPSS version 28.0 was used for data analysis. A self-administered 10-item questionnaire drawn from earlier research projects was used to gather data. Estimated sample size was 185 obstetricians and 124 gynecologists, calculated using Chochrane formulae. Only 153 obstetricians and gynecologists were available for the study.

Results:  Of the doctors, 28 (18.3%) had no knowledge of physiotherapy, while 81.6% of OB/GYN were aware of the field. Physiotherapists ought to be a part of the OB/GYN team, according to 46 doctors (30%). Physiotherapy was necessary for treating multiple obstetric disorders, such as pre- and post-partum and all kinds of gynecological conditions of females, according to 21.56% (33), and 8.49% (13) doctors respectively. Seven (4.57%) doctors primarily referred patients to physiotherapists. 15 (9.8%) doctors believed that physiotherapy was too expensive for patients to afford it. 33 (21.56%) doctors believed that there was an inadequate multidisciplinary relationship between physiotherapists and OB/GYN doctors. 17 (11.11%) doctors believed that physiotherapy was time-demanding.

Conclusion: Most OB/GYN doctors had knowledge of physiotherapy. On the other hand, a smaller percentage of them said that physiotherapists should treat patients like members of the OB/GYN team. Furthermore, this study made it clear that OB/GYN doctors' judgments of the significance of physiotherapy in treating OB/GYN problems were not significantly influenced by their understanding of the subject, as only a relatively small number of patients were sent to physiotherapists. The most frequently mentioned obstacle to physiotherapy use was insufficient interdisciplinary relationships, which was followed by the notion that physiotherapy required a lot of time. OB/GYN doctors noted that incompetent physiotherapists and lower affordability were two additional barriers to physiotherapy use, in addition to the potential for injury.