The evidence for MSK self-management support
There is a strong evidence base for the value of supporting people to self-manage their MSK condition and as a result self-management is widely recommended within NHS guidelines and policy. Despite this evidence, self-management support is not delivered consistently or at scale to those that would benefit.
The evidence for women’s pelvic health self-management support
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction affect 1 in 3 women and have a massive impact on quality of life, often leading to anxiety and depression. 14 million people live with bladder problems and 6.5 million people suffer from bowel issues in the UK. They are often treatable, but it can take as many as 10 years from initial presentation to seeing a GP and receiving an accurate diagnosis and a lot of women do not even seek help. There are clear NICE guidelines advocating, education, and support for pelvic floor health.
Despite this evidence base there is a lack of capacity across the entire care pathway to deliver support, conform to recommended guidelines and support women across their life cycle.