Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Recommendations for Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Disseminative Knowledge Translation Tool for Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Clinicians

Purpose: Neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction (NBBD) is a common sequela of spinal cord injury (SCI). Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) is a treatment with demonstrated effectiveness that is not yet routinely offered to SCI patients. We developed a knowledge translation (KT) tool for physiotherapists at the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital (JRH) that communicates recommendations for the physiotherapy management of NBBD in non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI) patients. Method: This mixed-methods study identified knowledge gaps, practice gaps, and barriers to knowledge use in the JRH SCI health care team via a focus group and an interview to inform the design of a KT tool. Concurrently, we conducted a scoping review on physiotherapy management of NBBD and developed treatment recommendations. Results: We identified five evidence-based treatment approaches and developed quick-use recommendation tables. Three major themes emerged that informed KT tool development: (1) the physiotherapist’s journey to proficiency in treating NBBD, (2) navigating the development of a physiotherapy NBBD programme, and (3) recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: There is evidence to support the use of physiotherapy for treating some forms of NBBD. We devised a KT tool to guide clinicians in using physiotherapy for NBBD.