Pelvic Health Content in Canadian Entry-To-Practice Physiotherapy Programs: An Online Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Pelvic health physiotherapy is an emerging and sensitive area of practice that offers effective conservative treatment for pelvic health conditions. Canadian entry-to-practice curriculum guidelines accord programs considerable flexibility regarding incorporating pelvic health content, which may lead to differences between programs and diverse levels of competence among new graduates. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and extent to which pelvic health content is incorporated in entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs in Canada. Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional e-survey of representatives from Canadian entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs. Results: Ten out of 15 Canadian programs participated. Programs incorporated pelvic health content throughout the required curriculum ( n = 9) and in optional courses ( n = 6). All participating programs covered musculoskeletal-related conditions, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain conditions, and included anatomy and physiology, clinical reasoning, subjective assessment and pelvic floor muscle training topics. Three programs trained students in internal pelvic floor techniques in elective courses. All programs covered cisgender women populations, however, transgender populations were seldom covered. Conclusions: This study provides an understanding of pelvic health curricular content that can serve as a first step towards standardizing and improving entry-level pelvic health training in Canada.