Professional Certificate in Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Why the Professional Certificate in Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

On completion of the course Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse 1, students should be able to:

1. Describe the anatomy of the female pelvis in relation to pelvic organ support, the aetiology of pelvic organ prolapse and the risk factors, in particular the role of intra-abdominal pressure.
2. Explain and demonstrate the role and scope of physiotherapy biopsychosocial assessment and patient-centred management of prolapse, including fitting and review of pessaries in different health care settings, in relation to shared care and the multidisciplinary health care team.
3. Perform a digital vaginal examination to identify and assess key pelvic structures (pelvic floor muscles, pelvic organs) and stage all compartments of pelvic organ prolapse, demonstrating an understanding of quantification of prolapse and pessary sizing.
4. Demonstrate safe and effective practical skills for pelvic organ prolapse, including assessing suitability for ring pessary care, knowledge and teaching of patient self-care, and ability to identify and respond to, risk and complications.
5. Identify, interpret and appraise contemporary theory, evidence and procedures relating to assessment and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
6. Apply principles of informed consent and infection control with all procedures.
7. Explain and demonstrate processes for instigating new (or optimising existing) pessary care practices in a range of health care settings.

On completion of the course Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse 2, students should be able to:

1. Use clinical reasoning and an evidence-based approach to assess, design and progress a comprehensive management program, including pessaries, pelvic floor muscle training, general exercise and lifestyle advice, for a range of presentations of pelvic organ prolapse.
2. Articulate the evidence-based role and scope of physiotherapy management in relation to prolapse surgery and the multidisciplinary health care team.
3. Demonstrate safe and effective practical skills for pelvic organ prolapse, including fitting select pessaries and teaching patient 'self-care'.
4. Apply principles of informed consent and infection control with all procedures in line with contemporary health care practice.
5. Demonstrate best-practice principles of a patient-centered approach to communication and behaviour change, maximising adherence to conservative management for patients, including those with complex biopsychosocial presentations.
6. Choose and apply appropriate outcome measures to assess the response to the conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse.
7. Explain organisational management, safety and risk management, sufficient for providing pessary care with a range of pessary types and including pessary fitting aids, in a variety of health care settings.

Who can attend?

Students must be physiotherapists (registered to practise in Australia or New Zealand), with a current Australian National Police Certificate (or equivalent).

Applicants must provide evidence of:

1. University level postgraduate training in the management of pelvic floor dysfunction or have undertaken at least three professional development courses in pelvic floor dysfunction. This must include: practical training in the conduct of vaginal examinations; training in the assessment and management of pelvic organ prolapse and bladder and bowel dysfunction.
2. Having attended at least one professional development activity relevant to pelvic floor dysfunction in the past two years.
3. A minimum of one year full time equivalent clinical experience in managing women with pelvic floor dysfunction and regular conduct of vaginal examinations subsequent to their training.
4. Treating women with pelvic floor dysfunction in the past five years.

Assessment

Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse 1

• Quiz - one hour 
• Online Discussion – one post per week across six weeks
• Case Study – 3,500 words
• Practical assessment (conducted face to face during a two day workshop)

This course is online with compulsory attendance at a two-day weekend workshop (practical skills are assessed in this workshop).

Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse 2

*Before commencing this course, students must have completed the course Conservative Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse 1.

• Quiz - one hour 
• Online Discussion – one post per week across six weeks
• Case Study – 3,500 words
• Practical assessment (conducted face to face in a two day weekend workshop)

This course is online with compulsory attendance at a two day weekend workshop (practical skills are assessed in this workshop).

All weekend workshops are held in Adelaide at:
UniSA, Physiotherapy Clinic, Level 8 Centenary Building, City East Campus.

Additional information

At the compulsory workshop teaching methods include peer physical examination (PPE). For information about what PPE is, why it is used and what will be asked of you, please contact the UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance.
Email alh-teachinglearning@unisa.edu.au

For further information on the certificate, please refer to the FAQ document

Download the FAQ document

During the on-line discussions and for the written assignment you will be required to demonstrate your understanding of evidence based practice. The ability to search for, critique and reference published research is assumed. Support for refreshing your skills in this area will be provided via the online course site for those who require it. It is recommended that, if this support is required, time is put aside prior to the course commencing to access the resources.

Cancellation policy

The University of South Australia reserves the right to cancel events and issue refunds.  In the event that an attendee cannot attend, a substitute is welcome to attend in their place.  No refunds will be given unless 21 days notice is given in writing prior to the date of the planned event. If less than 21 days the fee can be used for the same course at a later stage, or another course of the same value.