Pelvic floor complaint-related psychological distress recorded by pelvic physical therapists in the Netherlands: Additional analysis of data from an exploratory file review study

Background Patients with pelvic floor complaints (PFCs) experience various levels of PFC-related psychological distress along with their complaints. Paying attention to PFC-related psychological distress may enhance the intended biopsychosocial treatment approach in pelvic physical therapy practice. To our knowledge, the extent to which this distress is recorded by pelvic physical therapists in association with different combinations of PFCs has not been previously investigated. Aim This exploratory, hypothesis-generating retrospective file review study provides a first impression of the PFC-related distress recorded by pelvic physical therapists along with (combinations of ) PFCs. Method Pelvic physical therapists documented PFCs and PFC-related distress as recorded in patient files in an online survey. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated, and latent class analyses were performed to gain insight into indicative profiles of PFCs and associated psychological distress. Results A model with five profiles of PFCs and PFC-related psychological distress was selected. These profiles appear to be related to pregnancy and parity. A substantial proportion of distress was recorded with two profiles. One profile, most characteristic of pregnant patients, indicated a high probability of defecation and micturition problems and pelvic pain, including a high likelihood of insecurity, loss of control, and disappointment. The other profile, most characteristic of nulliparous patients, indicated a high probability of painful intercourse and micturition problems, including a high likelihood of disappointment, insecurity, helplessness, and sexual distress. Conclusion The results show encouraging proof of attention given to PFC-related distress in pelvic physical therapy practice, despite this not being the primary focus of pelvic physical therapists. Based on our data, it remains unclear whether the psychological impact of PFCs receives sufficient attention in pelvic physical therapy. The results could also indicate the need for a more prominent position for PFC-related distress in patient files.