Medical Models for Use in External and Internal Pelvic Assessments

The APTA Academy of Pelvic Health welcomes all SPTs, PTAs and PTs to participate in our courses regardless of gender identity, medical condition or pelvic anatomy. 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 (see list below) or lacks the anatomical components examined for the specific lab, they are encouraged – but not required – to bring a medical model to serve as the ‘patient’ during labs. Bringing a model will provide the most hands-on experience, but alternative accommodations will be made for those who do not bring one. Accommodations may include participating in groups of three. 

We do request that the participant fill out a form so that we are aware and can plan accommodations as needed.

BRINGING A MEDICAL MODEL OR OPTING OUT OF PARTICIPATING AS A 'PATIENT' GUIDELINES

Please adhere to the medical model guidelines below when bringing in a medical model. The model must be present for all labs and skill checks. If you are bringing a medical model OR are opting out of participating as a ‘patient’ in internal labs for the following reasons, please fill out appropriate forms ASAP and inform the Academy office so that instructors are informed BEFORE the lab so that we can ensure any additional accommodations can be planned.

CONDITIONS THAT MAY NECESSITATE USE OF A MEDICAL MODEL OR OPTING OUT OF INTERNAL PELVIC EXAM LAB PARTICIPATION AS A 'PATIENT'

  • A participant who is experiencing an active exacerbation of an abdominopelvic medical condition (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) or dermatologic condition (e.g.. 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 that currently has or 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

CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE USE OF A MEDICAL MODEL OR OPTING OUT OF INTERNAL PELVIC EXAM LAB PARTICIPATION AS A 'PATIENT'

  • 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

 FILL OUT THIS FORM BEFORE THE LAB IF YOU INTEND TO BRING A MEDICAL MODEL OR OPTING OUT AS ‘PATIENT’ FOR THE LAB

If a participant chooses to use a medical model OR are planning to opt out of being a ‘patient’ based on the reasons listed above, you MUST inform the Academy office at hello@aptapelvichealth.org or using the attached form that a model will be used OR you are opting out and reason. 

Lab Participation / Medical Disclosure Form

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” 

  •  It is up to the medical model whether they choose to participate with other ‘therapists’, or whether they want to only participate with their participant. 

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

    • Students in local healthcare educational programs

  • 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.