During this post, we're going to dive right into the myths and reality of what providing virtual pelvic health services actually entails. In my previous blog post, I discussed how I was also on the fence about whether virtual pelvic health services were appropriate or if they could provide good quality care. As I've grown as a clinician, with experience treating pelvic health patients, I now have a better understanding of how much benefit we bring to the table, even in the virtual setting.
Myth 1: Virtual Pelvic Health PT Services are Less Effective
Here's the reality: there are people way smarter than me out there that have actually taken the time to research and collect data relevant to this myth. Studies are showing that outcomes of virtual versus in-person pelvic health services are quite comparable.
Online treatment platforms allow for real-time assessments, individualized treatment plans, and continued support from the provider, just as is available in the clinic. This ensures that patients are receiving the care they need in the virtual setting without sacrificing quality.
One of the key concepts to gaining the correct clientele, even to your virtual practice, is making sure the message to your audience is clear as to who you help and the solution you provide. Learn more in my blog post here.
Myth 2: You Need to be Able to Lay Hands on the Patient
Full transparency, this is where I first got hung up on the idea of physical therapy services being provided virtually at all. In my defense, I had just come out of school and so I had a hard time grasping the concept of what it felt like to be in the clinical setting, learning and growing as a seasoned clinician.
As I spent time in the clinic, if there are two important things I learned they were one, it's very possible to have a good idea of what's going on with the patient sitting in front of you after talking to them for 5-10 minutes. Two, observation of the patient without prompting them whatsoever may also be one of the best clues to what's causing their issues.
The same is true for pelvic health patients and can both be done in a virtual setting. While on your video call with the patient, observe how they move, assess what they're resting posture looks like. Talk to them about what it is they do the majority of the day, whether it's work, taking care of a baby, or other things. One of our biggest strong suits as providers is knowing what questions to ask and when.
I'll never forget when my orthopedics professor in PT school said the phrase "You should know what's wrong with your patient after taking their subjective information." I thought she was a crazy person, but looking back, she was right. Virtual assessments allow us to do the same patient interviewing and observation as does the traditional clinic setting.
Myth 3: Virtual Services Only Works for Certain Pelvic Health Dysfunctions
Again, false. From pelvic pain to urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and prenatal or postpartum care, we have the tools to successfully assess and diagnose pelvic health patients. This kind of goes back to myth number two, our interviewing skills are strategic.
With proper physical assessment, using your eyeballs, and asking the patient the questions you need to know the answers to, you can absolutely diagnose and treat many pelvic health conditions in the virtual setting.
Myth 4: Patient's Prefer In-Person Care
Do you know how many no shows and cancellations I've had in the clinic setting because someone couldn't make it to their appointment because their car broke down, they had a flat tire, the weather was bad, or they couldn't find a babysitter? Too many to count.
Somebody else that's taken the time to provide surveys to patients receiving virtual pelvic health services indicate that patient satisfaction is consistently high. Patients appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and the privacy offered with virtual services. When satisfaction is high and when patients appreciate the services you're offering, they are so much more likely to participate consistently and adhere to the treatment plan you've set for them.
*Pro tip: When you provide virtual pelvic health services, you help eliminate a lot of the "life" conflicts that tend to happen and prevent patients from making it to the clinic. Be open to seeing your patients with their kids present, this can oftentimes clue you in to what their everyday life is like and observe movement patterns that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Check out my blog post here where I go into detail about the benefits of virtual pelvic health PT.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual pelvic health services are proving to be just as effective as in-person care, debunking common myths about their limitations. Research and experience show that these services offer quality care through real-time assessments, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing support, ensuring patients receive the help they need.
Patient satisfaction with virtual care is high, thanks to its convenience and flexibility, which eliminates common barriers to accessing treatment. By embracing virtual services, clinicians can gain valuable insights into patients' lives while providing effective care, promising a future of improved accessibility and patient-centeredness in pelvic health treatment.
If you’re just getting started or feeling like your pelvic practice isn’t taking off as you’d hoped, check out some of my advice in my blog post here.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed as a pelvic health practice owner, or if you want to learn more about how I could help you and your practice, get in touch!