Objective. To investigate the prevalence and nature of lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP), that is experienced by women in the lumbar and/or sacro-iliac area and/or symphysis pubis during pregnancy. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting. An Australian public hospital antenatal clinic. Sample population: Women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Method. Women were recruited to the study as they presented for their antenatal appointment. A survey collected demographic data and was used to self report LPP. A pain diagram differentiated low back, pelvic girdle or combined pain. Closed and open ended questions explored the experiences of the women. Main Outcome Measures. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (Version 2.1a). Results. There was a high prevalence of self reported LPP during the pregnancy (71%). An association was found between the reporting of LPP, multiparity, and a previous history of LPP. The mean intensity score for usual pain was 6/10 and four out of five women reported disability associated with the condition. Most women (71%) had reported their symptoms to their maternity carer however only a small proportion of these women received intervention. Conclusion. LPP is a potentially significant health issue during pregnancy.

Reorientation of the workplace to promote healthy eating among nurses is required.

While ultrasound guided prostate brachytherapy has gained wide acceptance as a primary treatment tool for prostate cancer, quality assurance of the ultrasound guidance system has received very little attention. Task Group 128 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine was created to address quality assurance requirements specific to transrectal ultrasound used for guidance of prostate brachytherapy. Accurate imaging guidance and dosimetry calculation depend upon the quality and accuracy of the ultrasound image. Therefore, a robust quality assurance program for the ultrasound system is essential. A brief review of prostate brachytherapy and ultrasound physics is provided, followed by a recommendation for elements to be included in a comprehensive test phantom. Specific test recommendations are presented, covering grayscale visibility, depth of penetration, axial and lateral resolution, distance measurement, area measurement, volume measurement, needle template/electronic grid alignment, and geometric consistency with the treatment planning computer.

Urinary incontinence, work and intention to leave current job: A cross sectional survey of the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce. Neurourology and Urodynamics 999:1-8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nau.23202 ABSTRACT Aims: To determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence (UI) in a group of female nurses and midwives, and to examine the relationship between UI, work and intention to leave current job.Methods: An electronic survey 'Fit for the future' was distributed to nurses and midwives in NSW, Australia between May 2014 and February 2015. UI was investigated using the International Consultation on Incontinence UI -Short Form. Examined work characteristics included: work role, location, setting, contract, shift, job satisfaction and plans to leave current job. Logistic regression modelling was performed to determine whether the severity of UI had an independent effect on intention to leave. Results:Of 5,041 survey responses, 68.5% answered the question on urine leakage. Of the included female sample (n=2,907) the prevalence of UI was 32.0% (95% CI: 30-34%): of these 40.5% experienced moderate and 4.4% 'severe or very severe' symptoms. UI was more likely to be reported in nurses or midwives working part-time or days only (not shifts). Those with 'severe or very severe UI' were more likely to indicate an intention to leave at 12 months (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.18-6.06) than those with slight or moderate symptoms, after accounting for age, body mass index, parity, pelvic organ prolapse, anxiety, depression, work contract, shift and job satisfaction.Conclusions: UI is a condition of high prevalence and significant severity in female nurses and midwives. In this workforce, severe UI was associated with intentions related to future employment.

Aim To explore nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work. Background Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in female nurses and midwives. There is limited understanding of the relationship between urinary symptoms, bladder health practices, and work. Design Qualitative design providing in‐depth exploration of nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work through focus group discussions. Methods Twelve focus groups were held July–September 2016 with 96 Registered Nurses and midwives working at two tertiary‐referral hospitals in urban New South Wales, Australia. A semi‐structured question schedule was used. An inductive process guided thematic analysis of data using a socioecological framework of health behaviours. Results Nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work primarily relate to delaying voiding. This practice is explained by a work culture of “patient‐first” care at expense of self‐care, relationships in the nursing team, demands of the nursing role, and inadequacy of workplace amenities. The first two themes reflect cultural and social caring dilemmas central to nursing. The second two themes identify issues with workforce management and physical workplace environments. Conclusion Nurses’ and midwives’ urinary symptoms and behaviours in response to sensory cues for bladder emptying are dependent on several socioecological influences. Occupational health initiatives in the workforce are required to break cultural norms that deter self‐care and to promote work environments that support healthy bladder practices. Workforce management and physical workplace environments are key influences on nurses’ timely and dignified access to amenities.

Aim To examine the relationships between workplace bladder practices, urinary symptoms, and work productivity. Design Cross‐sectional observational survey. Methods Surveys were distributed June–November 2016 to at least 600 female nurses and midwives at three urban hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Nurses self‐reported restricted workplace access to toilets, delaying voiding, limiting of fluid intakes and urinary symptoms at work. Logistic modelling was used to examine whether nurses’ bladder practices impaired their time management, ability to concentrate or perform physical demands. Results Of 353 useable surveys, one in five nurses (22.4%; N = 79) reported restricted access to toilets at work, most (77.1%; N = 272) delayed voiding and one in four (26.9%; N = 95) limited fluid intakes to delay voiding at work. Almost half the sample had urinary symptoms at work (46.7%; N = 165); delaying voiding increased the likelihood of impaired mental concentration and limiting fluid intakes increased the likelihood of impaired time management. Conclusion As workplace access to toilets and related bladder practices are modifiable, associated urinary symptoms and productivity loss may be preventable. Impact Nurses’ often experience restricted accesses to amenities due to job demands and workplace environments. The impact of nurses’ poor bladder practices in the workplace is not known. In this study most nurses delayed voiding and many purposefully limited fluid intakes at work. These behaviours impacted a nurse's ability to manage time and/or concentrate at work. Results have implications for nurses’ personal health, the design of workplace environments, workforce management, occupational health policy, and patient care.

Lower urinary tract symptoms are a significant issue among the female nursing workforce. Knowledge of the influence of symptoms on work productivity remains unknown. Further studies are warranted on the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction subtypes in workforce groups.

This analysis provides a definition of 'pelvic floor health' that is based on a current shared meaning and distinguishes the term from medical and lay terms in a complex, multifaceted and often under-reported area of healthcare knowledge. This definition provides a basis for theory development in future research, by focusing on health rather than disorders or dysfunction. Further development of the meaning is required in an individual's social context, to ensure a contemporaneous understanding in a dynamic system of healthcare provision.