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Multicenter Study
. 2023 Jun;42(5):1036-1054.
doi: 10.1002/nau.25125. Epub 2023 Jan 10.

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

Diane K Newman  1 , Jerry L Lowder  2 , Melanie Meister  3 , Lisa K Low  4 , Colleen M Fitzgerald  5 , Cynthia S Fok  6 , Julia Geynisman-Tan  7 , Emily S Lukacz  8 , Alayne Markland  9   10 , Sara Putnam  11 , Kyle Rudser  11 , Ariana L Smith  1 , Janis M Miller  4 ; Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

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

Diane K Newman et al. Neurourol Urodyn. 2023 Jun.

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.

Keywords: comprehensive pelvic muscle assessment; pelvic examination; pelvic floor myofascial pain; pelvic muscle strength; pelvic organ prolapse; pubovisceral (pubococcygeus) muscle; women's health.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Melanie Meister, Lisa K. Low, Julia Geynisman-Tan None, Alayne Markland, Sara Putnam, Kyle Rudser, Ariana L. Smith, and Janis M. Miller declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Comprehensive pelvic muscle assessment training process
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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