Health & Continence Institute

THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM 

The Health & Continence Institute offer a 10 step approach to continence care.  The ten steps are described below with their relvant behavioral objectives. 

MODULE #1  The Establishment and Marketing of a Center for Bladder Health

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Describe the strategic plan for the establishment of a comprehensive continence center.
• List the target populations.
• Compare and contrast the marketing strategies between the two target groups.
• Describe the physical characteristics of the continence center.
• Review the steps in writing a business plan
• List the qualifications of necessary personnel.
• Modify templates to fit their practice nees.

MODULE #2  Diagnosis of Bladder Dysfunction

The History and Physical Diagnosis of Incontinence and Overactive Bladder

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Elicit a detailed initial health history in relation to the diagnosis of incontinence and overactive bladder.
• Perform a comprehensive physical exam
• Perform a step by step  urogenital assessment including a neurological exam
• Document the pertinent findings related to the history and physical examination.
• Review the steps in the use of a bladder diary
• Compare and contrast the relevant signs and symptoms of stress incontinence and overactive bladder in establishing a diagnosis.
• Perform a simple cystometrogram
• Accurately code for reimbursement

MODULE #3  Types of Bladder Dysfunction

Over Active Bladder

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Cite the prevalence of incontinence and overactive bladder.
• List the reasons why women are unable or unwilling to seek help.
• Compare the clinical presentations of the different types of urogenital dysfunction.
• Discuss the pathophysiology of OAB and Urge incontinence.

Stress Urinary Incontinence  (SUI) Explained

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Cite the incidence and prevalence of stress urinary incontinence.
• List the impact of incontinence on quality of life
• Compare the clinical presentations of in the assessment of mixed incontinence.
• Review the steps necessary in the accurate diagnosis of stress incontinence.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Explained

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Cite the incidence and prevalence of interstitial cystitis.
• List the diagnostic steps necessary in the proper assessment of frequency and urgency.
• Discuss the diagnostic relevance of the PUF questionnaire, the O’Leary-‘sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index
• List the steps necessary in the application of the Potassium sensitivity test.
• Review the impact of pelvic floor rehabilitation and behavior modification on the management of IC.
• Describe educational counseling strategies for the woman with interstitiaol cystitis.

Pelvic Organ Prolpase

• Compare and contract different types of  POP
• List the risk factors related to development of POP
• Describe the type of treatment

MODULE #4    Advanced Assessment

Understanding Urodynamic Assessment

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• List the indications for urodynamic testing.
• Discuss the rationale for multichannel testing as compared to single channel.
• Describe the protocol for performing urodynamic testing.
• Accurately code for reimbursement.

MODULE #5  Behavior Intervensions

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• List the various interventions available in the management of bladder health.
• Describe the techniques of behavior modification.
• Review the steps in how to use Urge Suppressions techniuqes
• List the common types of dietary bladder irritants.
• List the key points to be reviewed during client education.

MODULE # 6  Vaginal Atrophism

Vaginal Atrophism

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Describe the signs and symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
• List the consequences of lack of estrogen in the vaginal area.
• Perform vaginal microscopy to determine the maturation index.
• Compare and contrast the various types of vaginal estrogen therapy available.
• Cite the common side effects of vaginal estrogen therapy.

MODULE #7  Pharmacological Management of Bladder Dysfunction

Pharmaceutical implications in the management of incontinence and overactive bladder

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Discuss strategies to improve treatment outcomes in the management of incontinence and overactive bladder.
• Describe the pharmacological and physiological basis for each type of treatment.
• Identify and manage potential side effects of therapy.

Pharmaceutical implications in the management of stress urinary incontinence

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Discuss strategies to improve treatment outcomes in the management of stress urinary incontinence.
• Describe the pharmacological and physiological basis for each type of treatment.
• Review current treatment option in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
• Identify and manage potential side effects of therapy.

MODULE #8   Non-Surgical Intervensions

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• List the indications for pelvic floor rehabilitation.
• Compare and contrast the two types of muscle fibers and their innervation.
• Review the steps necessary in performing pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Accurately code for reimbursement.

Electrical Stimulation

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• List the medical indications for performing electrical stimulation.
• Review the steps necessary in performing electrical stimulation.
• Accurately chart and code for reimbursement.
• Describe the use of the Athena Unit

MODULE #9   Intravaginal Devices

The Pessary: A Practical Approach

At the completion of the training module the learner will be able to:

• Compare and contrast the various types of pessaries.
• Cite the special considerations related to pessary insertion.
• List the key points to be reviewed during client education.
• Describe the removal techniques and follow-up parameters.
• Identify the complications related to pessary use.
• Accurately code for reimbursement.

The Coplexin Sphere

At the completion of this training module the learner will be able to

• Cite the advantages of using the sphere
• Compare and contrast to vaginal pessary

MODULE #10 Reimbursement/Coding

At the completion of the training module, the learner will be able to:

• Code appropriately for services rendered
• Understand the implications for the various diagnostic and treatment codes
• Apply to the identification and treatment of bladder dysfunction