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The Pelvic Floor:Function&Dysfunction (PHTY90002)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
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:
- Apply knowledge of the anatomy, general and exercise physiology, and neurophysiology to describe the normal function of pelvic organs and the pelvic floor, and dysfunctions in urinary continence and pelvic organ support.
- Discuss and integrate knowledge of biological, psychological, social & other sciences in clinical decision making for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Optimise the physical environment for client comfort, privacy, engagement, and risk management in both individual and group interactions.
- Explain and justify the selection of, and appropriate referral for, diagnostic procedures for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Perform safe, targeted and effective clinical assessments of clients who present with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse symptom, ensuring accurate documentation.
- Design and implement an evidence informed clinical program, including pelvic floor rehabilitation and adjunctive therapy.
- Explain how the principles of behaviour change and bladder training can be used in the treatment pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Discuss the cost-effectiveness and affordability of investigations and interventions from the perspective of client wellbeing, and healthcare system sustainability.
- Explain the role of a physiotherapist in continence and pelvic health clinical teams, with a specific focus on collaboration and negotiation with the client and health professionals.
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: 31 January 2024
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Online quiz (equivalent to 1000 words)
| Week 1 | 10% |
Practical skills examination
| Week 2 | 35% |
Individual essay
| End of the assessment period | 55% |
Attendance requirement Hurdle requirement: Students must attend all stipulated clinical placements. | N/A |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- May
Principal coordinator Elise Fraser Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours There will be face to face intensive teaching from 7 June to 16 June inclusive of Saturday 12 June. Students will be required to attend campus during this time. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 1 May 2023 Pre teaching requirements Students are required to undertake pre-reading in preparation for the study period. Teaching period 8 May 2023 to 14 June 2023 Last self-enrol date 2 May 2023 Census date 2 June 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 28 July 2023 Assessment period ends 17 September 2023
Time commitment details
Students are expected to undertake a number of hours of self directed learning in this subject. Approximately 100 hours of self directed learning is suggested.
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Students are required to undertake pre-reading in preparation for the study period.
On-campus lectures and tutorials, off-campus clinical placements.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy) - Links to additional information
Last updated: 31 January 2024