The APPEAL study: Attitudes to Pessary for Pelvic orgAn proLapse
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative interview study with women who have pelvic organ prolapse to explore their views about, and experiences of, vaginal pessary treatment and service delivery
IRAS ID
193812
Contact name
Carol Bugge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
This study is called the APPEAL study (Attitudes to Pessary for Pelvic orgAn proLapse). It aims to find out, from women with prolapse, what their views are on prolapse treatment generally, vaginal pessary specifically and the services that support treatment delivery.
Pelvic organ prolapse is when the organs that usually situate within the pelvis descend into a woman's vagina.The consequence of the descent is that women can experience bowel, bladder and sexual symptoms, all of which can adversely affect a woman's quality of life. Prolapse is common and affects about 40% of women over 50 years. One treatment option, a vaginal pessary, is a mechanical device that is worn internally to support the pelvic organs and hold them in place.
To date there are no good quality studies that can guide professional practice on vaginal pessaries use for prolapse. Furthermore, studies that have been undertaken have had some difficulties in recruitment. It is therefore important to find out, from women who have prolapse what their views are on this treatment.
The study will be undertaken within one Scottish Health Board, NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Three groups of women would be asked to take part in this study: 1) women who use a pessary as treatment for prolapse; 2) women who were offered and refused a pessary as treatment; and 3) women who have been referred for prolapse treatment but are yet to be offered treatment.
Clinical staff would introduce the study to women and give them an information pack to find out about the study. interested women would be asked to send a reply slip directly to the researchers. Women who are willing to take part would be interviewed once about their views and experiences. Interviews would last about one hour and would be recorded. Analysis will follow a well recognised system.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0289
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion