Myprostate: Physiotherapy Poster.
Written By: Eli Gabay (BPT), Devorah Tziler (BPT) and Prof. Jack Baniel (Head of Urology Dept. Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva).
Background: Prostate Cancer is one of the leading cancers among men worldwide. It is the number one cancer risk and number two cancer killer (behind lung cancer) in men. About 1 in every 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In Israel alone, there are over 3,000 new cases of prostate cancer yearly. This effects men usually from age 50 and beyond.
Men in this age group who do not suffer from a malignant prostatic tumour may suffer from BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). BPH is enlargement of the prostate gland, causing symptoms of incontinence, urge, nocturia and sexual function disturbances.
In addition to the various treatment available to treat both benign and malignant prostatic tumours one of the most common treatments is surgery. This surgery is a prostatectomy, removal of the prostate gland.
The major side effects of a prostatectomy are urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction (impotence). Physiotherapy plays a huge role in rehabilitating patients after a prostatectomy and ensuring they return to full continence and sexual function.
Unfortunately, many patients are not properly informed of these side effects leading up to surgery or the general side effects of pain, swelling and decreased mobilisation.
We feel that as physiotherapists, it is our goal to not only treat and rehabilitate these patients, but to also inform them of the journey that lies ahead and prepare them adequately.
Chosen Medium: We chose to develop a mobile phone application (myprostate) as a useful, accessible tool for patients. Technology is growing from year to year and most men aged 50 and above own smart phones and use them to access information.
Our application aims not only to guide the patient through his prostatectomy journey, but also to explain the pelvic floor physiotherapy exercises that are crucial for post- operative rehabilitation.
In the application the patient will find information about anatomy and physiology of the prostate, the types of surgery, pre-operation, post-operation and up to 6 weeks post operation. He can also understand how to care for his catheter and what to expect to feel after waking up from the operation. Carers and family members can also be involved and learn information from this application in order to provide the best support for their loved one.
Our mission is that the hundreds and thousands of men who undertake prostatectomy surgery will be prepared and feel more supported by our application.
Forewarned is Forearmed!!!
