Role of the physical therapist in the interdisciplinary obstetrics and urogynecology team: Perception of health professionals in Paraguay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17795502Keywords:
Obstetric physiotherapy, Pelvic floor, Patient care team, Maternal health, ParaguayAbstract
Introduction: Comprehensive care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period requires a multidisciplinary approach. Obstetric and urogynecologic physiotherapy plays a crucial role in preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction, although its integration into regional public health systems is uneven.
Objective: To determine the perceived role of the physical therapist and kinesiologist within urogynecology and obstetrics services from the perspective of other health professionals in Paraguay.
Materials and Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A structured survey was administered to a non-probability sample of 100 health professionals (gynecologists, obstetricians, nurses and physical therapists) in the Asunción metropolitan area. The instrument assessed knowledge of the specialty, its presence in current services and perceived need.
Results: 93.4% of respondents considered insertion of obstetric physiotherapy into the health system necessary. However, 51.9% reported the specialty as scarce in their current services and 43.4% as nonexistent. Although 98.1% recognized the importance of physical preparation for childbirth, views of the physical therapist’s role were fragmented: 65.0% considered it relevant only in complications or pathology, underestimating its preventive role in uncomplicated pregnancy.
Conclusions: There is professional consensus on the importance of obstetric physiotherapy, contrasted with marked lack of effective implementation in the public system. Health policies are needed to formally integrate the physical therapist into the maternal care team, prioritizing a primary-care role in prevention and health promotion.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Erika Marlene Rojas Giménez, Felipe Miguel Oviedo Frutos (Autor/a)
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