Document Type
10 minute oral
Start Date
6-3-2026 3:00 PM
Description
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects up to 50% of women and can substantially impact physical function, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, gaps remain in understanding the experiences and support needs of reproductive-age women, particularly within the Irish healthcare context. This thesis aimed to explore the lived experience of women with POP, examine knowledge and care gaps among women and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and develop an intervention to support self- management. A mixed-methods approach was used. A systematic review identified limitations in the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and highlighted opportunities to better capture biopsychosocial characteristics in POP research. Two qualitative studies explored women’s experiences of living with POP and seeking healthcare, revealing limited awareness, barriers to accessing reliable information, perceived dismissal within healthcare interactions, and strong motivation for symptom-management and prevention of progression. To address these needs, a co-designed national pelvic health information website, www.pelvichealthireland.ie was developed and evaluated using participatory design methods and validated outcome measures. The resource demonstrated high quality, usability, and perceived impact among both women and HCPs. This research highlights the importance of accessible health information, patient-centred care, and co-designed health interventions to improve self-management and healthcare experiences for women with POP.
Pelvic health: lived experience, needs and resources for women with pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects up to 50% of women and can substantially impact physical function, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, gaps remain in understanding the experiences and support needs of reproductive-age women, particularly within the Irish healthcare context. This thesis aimed to explore the lived experience of women with POP, examine knowledge and care gaps among women and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and develop an intervention to support self- management. A mixed-methods approach was used. A systematic review identified limitations in the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and highlighted opportunities to better capture biopsychosocial characteristics in POP research. Two qualitative studies explored women’s experiences of living with POP and seeking healthcare, revealing limited awareness, barriers to accessing reliable information, perceived dismissal within healthcare interactions, and strong motivation for symptom-management and prevention of progression. To address these needs, a co-designed national pelvic health information website, www.pelvichealthireland.ie was developed and evaluated using participatory design methods and validated outcome measures. The resource demonstrated high quality, usability, and perceived impact among both women and HCPs. This research highlights the importance of accessible health information, patient-centred care, and co-designed health interventions to improve self-management and healthcare experiences for women with POP.