title: Pelvic floor health: a concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report an analysis of the concept 'pelvic floor health'.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  'Pelvic floor health' is a term used by multiple healthcare disciplines, yet as a concept is not well defined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rodger's evolutionary view was used to guide this analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic literature databases and public domain websites viewed via the Internet search engine Google.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature in English, published 1946-July 2014 was reviewed. Websites were accessed in May 2014, then analysed of presentation for relevance and content until data saturation. Thematic analysis identified attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the defining attributes identified in the analysis, a contemporary definition is offered. 'Pelvic floor health' is the physical and functional integrity of the pelvic floor unit through the life stages of an individual (male or female), permitting an optimal quality of life through its multifunctional role, where the individual possesses or has access to knowledge, which empowers the ability to prevent or manage dysfunction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Pierce
authors: Lin
authors: L
authors: Perry
authors: Robyn
authors: R
authors: Gallagher
authors: Pauline
authors: P
authors: Chiarelli
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: communication; concept analysis; continence; health promotion; midwifery; multi-professional practice; nursing