Medical Models for Use in External and Internal Pelvic Assessments

In this document, you will find information, expectations, and requirements for the use of medical models during external and internal vaginal and rectal assessment coursework. For all pelvic health course labs, attendees are expected to be both the examining “therapist” and the “patient” participant. If a participant has a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from having an examination or lacks the anatomical components examined during the lab, the participant is responsible for finding a person to serve as their medical model. This person will stand in for the participant as the “patient” during lab activities. There is significant value in each participant learning by examining different “patients” during labs. Therefore, the model will be expected to be examined by different “therapists”. The model must be present for all labs and skill checks. If you are planning to bring a medical model, please read our guidelines below and have your model complete the waiver linked below.

Below, you will find information, expectations, and requirements for the use of medical models during external and internal vaginal and rectal assessment (“examination”) coursework. The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (“Academy”) values the respect and dignity of all people. The following are the considerations and indications for the use of a medical model.

MEDICAL MODEL OVERVIEW

For all pelvic health labs, attendees are expected to be both the examining “therapist” and “patient” participant. If a participant has a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from having an examination or lacks the anatomical components examined during the lab, the participant is responsible for finding a person to serve as a medical model. This person will stand in for the participant as the “patient” during labs. There is significant value in each participant learning by examining different “patients” during labs. Therefore, the model will be expected to be examined by different “therapists”. The model must be present for all labs and skill checks. 

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE USE OF A MEDICAL MODEL

It is the participant’s decision to use a medical model to participate in “patient” examinations. Those who may be unable to participate in “patient” examinations may include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • A participant who is experiencing an active exacerbation of an abdominopelvic medical condition (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease) or dermatologic condition (i.e. lichens sclerosis), that would prevent an exam

  • A participant with a history of sexual abuse or trauma

    • The Academy is mindful of how participation as a “patient” in examinations might impact a participant who has a history of sexual abuse or trauma

    • Some participants may experience an emotional response as the “patient”

    • It is the participant’s decision to disclose any history to the instructor as necessary; any information shared remains confidential

  • A participant with a history of pelvic pain or painful sexual activity

    • Some participants may experience physical discomfort and/or an emotional response

    • If you have a history of pelvic pain or painful sexual activity but choose to participate as the “patient” in labs, you may choose to disclose the current or history of pelvic pain to the faculty

  • Confirmed or suspected pregnancy

    • You must submit a signed medical release from your medical provider that allows you to participate in all examinations

  • A participant who has never had an internal gynecological examination

  • Social, cultural, or religious practices

REQUIRED USE OF A MEDICAL MODEL

Those unable to participate in examinations as the “patient” include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Recent surgical procedure without medical clearance

  • Less than six (6) weeks postpartum 

  • Active urinary tract, vaginal, or rectal infections

  • Active lesions from sexually transmitted infections

  • Indwelling catheter

  • The participant lacks the anatomical components for examination

THE FOLLOWING CONDITION DOES NOT REQUIRE A MEDICAL MODEL

  • Participants who are actively menstruating 

    • A menstrual disc, if desired, will be provided to participants to enable internal vaginal examinations

STEPS TO COMPLETE WHEN CHOOSING TO USE A MEDICAL MODEL 

If a participant chooses to use a medical model, the following steps should be completed:

  • Inform the Academy office at hello@aptapelvichealth.org that a model will be used

  • It is the responsibility of the participant to locate, acquire, and ensure consent forms are signed by the medical model for participation in examinations

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL MODELS

  • A medical model must sign a Model Participation Consent Form linked below. Please share this link below with your medical model. All Medical Model forms must be completed AT LEAST 7 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE COURSE:

    Medical Model Consent & Liability Waiver

  • A medical model should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled lab begins

  • A medical model is only present during examination labs

    • A medical model that is a licensed physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, or physical therapy student may remain for the entirety of the course if registered to audit

      • The medical model/auditor will not participate as the “therapist” 

  • The model will be expected to be examined by different “therapists”

STANDARD PAYMENT FOR A MEDICAL MODEL

  • Medical model fees are approximately $50-75 per hour; however, this may vary by location and individual

    • Participants may negotiate individual rates of payment with their model subjects

    • Participants are responsible for the cost of a medical model

WHAT YOU SHOULD COMMUNICATE TO THE MEDICAL MODEL

Below is the Information the course participant should communicate to the medical model:

  • Components, techniques, and considerations of the examinations:

    • Pelvic Health Level 1

      • External and internal vaginal examination and intervention techniques

      • Insertion of an internal electrode for surface EMG/biofeedback and/or electrical stimulation

      • Abdominal examination and intervention techniques

    • Pelvic Health Level 2-Pelvic Pain and Bowel Dysfunction

      • External and internal vaginal and rectal examination and intervention techniques

      • Abdominal examination and intervention techniques

  • Course participants of all genders may be present in the room during the completion of examinations

  • Appropriate draping and positioning will be performed; however, visual assessment and palpation of external and internal anatomy are required for safe examination practice

  • External and internal examinations performed in the course pose a no greater risk than a standard gynecologic or colorectal examination

WHO CAN SERVE AS A MEDICAL MODEL

  • Models must be over the age of 18, and meet the above criteria

  • Suggested models may include

    • Friends

    • Colleagues

    • Relatives

    • Significant others

    • Professional medical models

  • Additional considerations for locating a medical model

  • Local student health care educational program

  • If you have exhausted all possible options and need assistance from the Academy or the Course Host, please submit our request form:

Special Accommodations Request Form

If you have already submitted this form and have not heard back, please send us a message.