When it comes to treatment…Less is more!

One of my ‘favourite’ stats when mentoring pelvic physios about caseload management is the 80/20 rule (mentioned in my last blog). The evidence even suggests up to 80% of information provided in a medical consultation is forgotten and of the remaining 20% about half is misinterpreted. That leaves patients with about 10% of what you have provided them that they will truly take away and understand.

This brings me to the next pelvic floor physio ‘toxic trait’ causing excessive cancelation rates which I believe is information overload!!

Pelvic floor physios, and physios in general, by nature are giving, ‘fixing’ types of people who want to share their knowledge and experience in order to help others. That desire to empower and educate, I believe, can unfortunately sometimes be our downfall. 

As pelvic health professionals, well versed in anatomy, physiology and bodily functions, a discussion about defecation dynamics, stool modification, bowel routine and exercises can seem like ultra basics. However for even the most health literate patients (including health professionals from another profession) MOST of this information is completely new to them. Less is more is key here! I’ve implemented a rule in my clinic that 1-2 pieces of homework MAX is the limit per consult. Give the patient a chance to master the program, feel a sense of accomplishment and be ready for the next step. The other option here is to leave them feeling so overwhelmed and confused that they give up and put you in the ‘too hard basket’.

This is why the 4 in 4 model works so well - slow down the pace of information, see your patients more frequently and watch them flourish and achieve.

I believe physios underestimate their role in being the client’s ‘coach’ and ‘cheerleader’. You are there to give them small, meaningful, manageable goals and celebrate success along the way. You are there to refocus them when they stray, you are there to progress them when they achieve mastery.
 

Pelvic Health patients are unique. Physios, especially those new to this area, understandably focus on trying to learn the clinical skills associated with the role and often neglect the CRITICAL patient management skills needed to motivate these patients through their treatment program. 

At PPPM, we have developed a program that not only supports the clinical knowledge needed for Pelvic Health but also teaches you the intricacies of effectively managing and maintaining a pelvic health caseload. 

You can be the best clinician in the world, but if you aren’t taught how to flex your style and advice to treat your patients optimally, your impact will be diluted and your caseload and patients will suffer. 

Rebecca is the co-founder and mentor on the Pregnancy and Pelvic Physio Mentor Program. She also co-directs 2 successful Pelvic Health Clinics in Melbourne North West. Rebecca Strongly believes in mentoring physios in not only the clinical skills but to be skilled educators who are familiar with their clientele's needs.