A postpartum pelvic floor healing clinic promotes high patient satisfaction and empowerment

Objectives: The Postpartum Pelvic Floor Healing Clinic (PPFHC), run by the Division of Urogynecology at our institution, was created to evaluate and treat women with higher-order obstetric perineal lacerations and postpartum pelvic floor disorders. The present study is a descriptive analysis of patient satisfaction with the PPFHC. We hypothesized a high degree of patient satisfaction with a clinic specifically focused on postpartum pelvic floor healing.

Methods: The PPFHC evaluated 188 new patients between July 2021 and November 2022. At visit completion, patient questionnaires were administered via Redcap generated emails. The survey results were anonymous, and individual responses could not be linked to the medical record. The survey included 9 statements assessing patient satisfaction with various aspects of care using a 5-point Likert scale (Figure 1). Responses were considered positive/affirmative if patients strongly agreed or agreed with statements or reported that they were very satisfied or satisfied. Patients could also provide additional comments. Demographic data for survey responders and non-responders were compared using Independent T, Mann-Whitney U, Chi square, or Fisher’s Exact tests as appropriate (IBM SPSS 28).

Results: Of the 188 patients presenting for care, 76 completed questionnaires for a response rate of 40.43%. Demographic data were available for 180 survey recipients (Table 1). Responders were older than non-responders (32.11 ± 3.90 years vs. 30.73 ± 4.92, p = 0.047) but did not differ with respect to marital status, race, ethnicity, or insurance type. Frequencies and types of operative vaginal delivery as well as obstetric lacerations were also similar between the groups. Responders were more likely to experience any type of postpartum pelvic floor issue (infection, wound breakdown, granulation tissue, discharge, abnormal healing/scarring, pain, or bowel/urinary incontinence) than non-responders (58.3% vs. 43.0%, p = 0.04).

The majority of patients (89.5%, n=68) felt empowered by the education provided about their condition. Similarly, 81.6% (n=62) reported improved understanding of their vagina and pelvic floor, and 80.3% (n=61) reported improved understanding of their type of obstetric laceration. Ultimately, 96.1% (n=73) were satisfied with the information about their condition. Nearly all patients were very satisfied or satisfied with their care (n=74, 97.4%) and would recommend the PPFHC to a friend (n=74, 97.4%), which may have been related to satisfaction with the visit length (100%, n=76), thoroughness of care (100%, n=76), or opportunity to ask questions (100%, n=76).

Conclusions: Evaluation and treatment in a focused postpartum pelvic floor healing clinic resulted in high satisfaction and empowered patients with increased knowledge concerning their delivery and recovery. Nearly all patients would recommend the experience to others. The PPFHC was favorably received by patients and may positively impact postpartum recovery for patients at high risk of postpartum pelvic floor disorders. Further comparative studies assessing outcomes should be performed.