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Comprehensive pelvic muscle assessment: Developing and testing a dual e‐Learning and simulation‐based training program

Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) research consortium launched the RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE) national study of women's bladder health which includes annual surveys and an in-person visit. For the in-person exam, a standardized, replicable approach to conducting a pelvic muscle (PM) assessment was necessary. The process used to develop the training, the products, and group testing results from the education and training are described. METHODS: A comprehensive pelvic muscle assessment (CPMA) program was informed by literature view and expert opinion. Training materials were prepared for use on an electronicLearning (e-Learning) platform. An in-person hands-on simulation and certification session was then designed. It included a performance checklist assessment for use by Clinical Trainers, who in collaboration with a gynecology teaching assistant, provided an audit and feedback process to determine Trainee competency. RESULTS: Five discrete components for CPMA training were developed as e-Learning modules. These were: (1) overview of all the clinical measures and PM anatomy and examination assessments, (2) visual assessment for pronounced pelvic organ prolapse, (3) palpatory assessment of the pubovisceral muscle to estimate muscle integrity, (4) digital vaginal assessment to estimate strength, duration, symmetry during PM contraction, and (5) pressure palpation of both myofascial structures and PMs to assess for self-report of pain. Seventeen Trainees completed the full CPMA training, all successfully meeting the a priori certification required pass rate of 85% on checklist assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The RISE CPMA training program was successfully conducted to assure standardization of the PM assessment across the PLUS multicenter research sites. This approach can be used by researchers and healthcare professionals who desire a standardized approach to assess competency when performing this CPMA in the clinical or research setting.
DOI: 10.1002/nau.25125
Authors: Diane K. Newman, Jerry L. Lowder, Melanie Meister, Lisa K. Low, Colleen M. Fitzgerald, Cynthia S. Fok, Julia Geynisman‐Tan, Emily S. Lukacz, Alayne Markland, Sara Putnam, Kyle Rudser, Ariana L. Smith, Janis M. Miller
Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Kansas, University of Michigan, Loyola University Chicago, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, University of California San Diego, University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Open Access status: bronze
Funders: Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, University of Michigan, Boston Scientific Corporation, National Institutes of Health, University of California, San Diego, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Office of Research on Women's Health
Awards: The Truly Healthy Bladder 2: Understanding Normal As A Pathway To Prevention Of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms In Women, Penn+Plus Clinical Research Center, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PLUS CLINICAL SITE, Pathways to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Prevention in Adolescent and Adult Women., Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium Yale Clinical Research Center, Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium Scientific and Data Coordinating Center, Prevention of LUTS: Bladder Health Clinical Center, UC San Diego Site, Bladder health promotion and LUTS prevention inadolescent and adult women across the life course, PLUS Loyola Clinical Center
OpenAlex ID: W4315436201
FWCI: 1.142
Cites: 30
Cited by: 5
Related to: 10