Curricular content on urinary incontinence in entry-level physical therapy programmes in three countries.

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant psychological, social and healthcare problem across the lifespan. Although there is evidence of physical therapy (PT) efficacy, no literature was located pertaining to UI in PT curricula. The aim was to compare curricular content on UI (of non-neuropathic origin) in PT programmes in Canada, the UK and the USA. The study subjects were PT educators in entry-level programmes. All Canadian PT programmes (13) were surveyed. Stratification was used to make random samples of PT programmes: 50% of UK (13/26) and 50% of USA (69/136). A questionnaire was used to obtain information on: degree level, programme length, specific courses, time allotted, UI topics, teaching method(s), the professional teaching patients with UI and reasons for non-inclusion in the study. One follow-up letter was sent. Results are presented as frequencies and percentages. Overall, the response rate was 62.8%; country response rates were: Canada 92.3%; UK 76.9% and USA 53.6%. UI was taught in 80% of Canadian, 90% of UK (which gave the most time to teaching on UI: 70% > 60 minutes) and 78.4% of USA PT programmes. Kegel exercises were taught in all three countries (> 81.1%) and electrical stimulation in > 65%. Theory only was the primary method of teaching in all countries (> 64.9%). Physical therapists were reported to have a major role in treating patients with UI (Canada > 75%; UK 100%; USA 70.3%). With Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation taught in two-thirds of all programmes physical therapy graduates may have some knowledge of UI management. However, for the UK and USA programmes data are from only 38.5% and 27% respectively. As the common method of teaching on UI was by theory only, graduating physical therapists may lack the clinical skills to apply assessment and treatment techniques.