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The Pelvic Floor:Function&Dysfunction (PHTY90002)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | May |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject covers anatomy, functional anatomy and neurophysiology of the pelvis and its contents, with particular emphasis on the pelvic floor muscles and fascia, micturition and the urinary tract. Types of incontinence and diagnostic procedures are discussed and physiotherapy assessment and management of different types of incontinence are studied theoretically and practically. Pathology of connective tissue and its relationship to prolapse, and surgical procedures in gynaecology are studied theoretically. The use of electrotherapy for diagnosis and treatment is included. An introduction to evidence based practice and computer database searching are provided.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, students will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following:
- A sound knowledge of the anatomy, applied anatomy and function of the pelvis and pelvic floor and urinary tract, including the bladder and its outlet;
- The ability to identify the various forms of urinary incontinence seen in adult female patients;
- The ability to clinically assess and treat an adult female patient who presents with complex urinary incontinence symptoms, including the use of adjunctive therapy;
- The ability to identify the major features of muscle and exercise physiology that influence exercise programming in pelvic floor rehabilitation;
- Understanding of the role of a physiotherapist in a clinical continence service;
- The ability to understand the specific details of diagnostic procedures in the diagnosis of urinary incontinence;
- An advanced level of knowledge of the neurophysiology of electrical stimulation as an assessment and treatment of urinary incontinence;
- Knowledge of the theoretical basis and practical application of behavioural modification and bladder training in the treatment of urge urinary incontinence; and
- Be able to integrate physiotherapy clinical skills with that of other continence team members, including surgeons
Generic skills
On completion of the subject, students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
- well developed problem solving skills
- improved capacities in seeking, evaluating and retrieving information
- an appreciation of a team approach to learning
- a basic understanding of critical evaluation of research literature
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-PHTYPH Master of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health)
- GC-PHTYPFP Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Online quiz (equivalent to 1000 words)
| 11 June 2021 | 10% |
Practical skills examination
| During intensive teaching component | 35% |
Individual essay
| 1 August 2021 | 55% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must obtain a pass in both the practical and theoretical components in order to pass the subject overall. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- May
Principal coordinator Elise Fraser Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Students commence online learning activities from 10 May in preparation for the on-campus teaching component. There will be face to face intensive teaching from Thursday 7 October to Monday 11 October inclusive of Saturday 9 October and Sunday 10 October. Students will be required to attend campus during this time. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 3 May 2021 Pre teaching requirements Students are required to undertake pre-reading in preparation for the study period. Teaching period 10 May 2021 to 11 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 4 May 2021 Census date 15 July 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 13 August 2021 Assessment period ends 11 October 2021
Time commitment details
Students are required to undertake self directed learning in this subject. Approximately 100 hours of self directed learning is suggested.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
- Bø, K., Berghmans, L.C.M., Van Kampen, M., Morkved, S. (eds). (2007). Evidence-Based Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor: Bridging Science and Clinical Practice. London: Churchill Livingstone
Recommended texts and other resources
- Abrams P, Cardozo L, Khoury S and Wein A J (Eds) (2009): Incontinence: 3rd International Consultation on Incontinence, Plymouth, UK: Health Publication Ltd.(3rd edition available online: www.icsoffice.org -> link to Documents)
- Cardozo L and Staskin D (Eds) (2006): Textbook of Female Urology and Urogynaecology (2nd edn). London: Isis Medical Media Ltd.
- Corcos J and Schick E (Eds) (2001): The urinary sphincter . New York: Marcel Dekker.
- Mantle J, Haslam J and Barton S (2004): Physiotherapy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. (2nd ed.) London: Butterworth-Heinemann.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy) - Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022