Pharmacologic Considerations for the Pelvic Health Provider

Pharmacologic agents are often a first line treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Most patients seeking treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction are prescribed one or more medications. Medication side effects can contribute to or, be the cause of genitourinary issues. It is important that health care providers are knowledgeable about the effects of medications and, how the medication itself could be contributing to the patient’s complaints.

This remote learning course will discuss medications used for the treatment of pelvic floor and genitourinary conditions as well as common side effects of medications routinely used for pelvic floor dysfunction. This course will be taught by live instructor via Zoom. Medications for constipation and GI dysfunction, as well as pelvic pain conditions such as Vulvodynia, Chronic Prostatitis, and Endometriosis will be covered. The course will also cover medications and side effects in Gender-Affirming Care for patients who are transitioning.

The results from a 2017 study by Araklitis, Thiagamoorthy, Hunter, Rantell, Robinson & Cardozo showed limited knowledge among health care providers regarding anticholinergic load which can impact cognitive functioning in the elderly. Anticholinergic medications are often prescribed for urinary dysfunction. Understanding medications used for genitourinary issues will enable the provider to educate patients about medication effects and, effectively communicate with other health care providers regarding medication choices for their patients.(1)

Prerequisites
None. This is a beginner-level course.

Pre-Course Learning Requirements
10-14 days before the course, participants will receive an invite to join Teachable, an online learning platform. In Teachable, registrants will find video lectures, other pre-course learning materials, course manual files, mandatory liability waiver, and URLs for any Zoom meetings. We require registrants to complete teachable components in sequential order. Videos lectures are required and must be completed in-full before proceeding to the next Teachable section. At the conclusion of the course, registrants can access their post-test and course evaluation form to provide our curriculum team feedback on their experience, as well as download their certificate of completion - all via Teachable.

Audience
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation.

References
1. Araklitis, G., Thiagamoorthy, G., Hunter, J., Rantell, A., Robinson, D., & Cardozo, L. (2017). Anticholinergic prescription: are healthcare professionals the real burden? International Urogynecology Journal, 28(8), 1249–1256. https://doi-org.akin.css.edu/10.1007/s00192-016-3258-3