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Overview

Epidemiology, anatomical and physiological concepts of urinary and faecal continence and incontinence. Diagnostic tests.

This is one of two papers comprising the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences endorsed in Continence Management. The paper is aimed to upskill nurses and physiotherapists to be able to independently assess and manage patients with urinary and faecal incontinence.

The paper is designed to teach the principles of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the bladder and bowel, including neuroanatomy. It will cover pharmacology relevant to continence management. Principles of history taking and relevant symptomology will also be taught.

About this paper

Paper title Pathophysiology of Incontinence
Subject Continence Management
EFTS 0.25
Points 30 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,486.75
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
CTMX 401
Limited to
MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc
Eligibility

Suitable for registered nurses and physiotherapists who are currently working in a field that involves some aspects of continence management. Applicants should have at least two years’ post-registration experience.

Contact

postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convenors: Dr Giovanni Losco and Dr Louise Rouse

Paper Structure

The paper is designed to teach the principles of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the bladder and bowel, including neuroanatomy. It will cover pharmacology relevant to continence management. Principles of history taking and relevant symptomology will also be taught.

Teaching Arrangements

Block course dates:

  • Monday 8 March – Wednesday 10 March
  • Monday 14 June – Wednesday 16 June

The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.
The paper is taught via two 3-day compulsory block courses in Christchurch, plus four evening video conferences via Zoom, together with the use of an interactive online learning platform, Moodle.

Textbooks

We have two recommended textbooks:

  • Chan L, Tse V. Multidisciplinary care of urinary incontinence: a handbook for health professionals. Publisher: Springer 2013.
  • Walters M, Karram M. Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. 

A link to an eBook version of these texts are available on Moodle via the eReserve link. If you prefer to purchase the book, you can do so through Amazon or Springer.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have a good knowledge of the principles of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the bladder and bowel and the ability to manage patients with urinary and faecal incontinence.
Assessment details

Assessment is in the form of 4 assignments throughout the semester, based on modules being taught at Zoom videoconferences, and via block course attendance, contribution and performance.

Overview

Epidemiology, anatomical and physiological concepts of urinary and faecal continence and incontinence. Diagnostic tests.

This is one of two papers comprising the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences endorsed in Continence Management. The paper is aimed to upskill nurses and physiotherapists to be able to independently assess and manage patients with urinary and faecal incontinence.

The paper is designed to teach the principles of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the bladder and bowel, including neuroanatomy. It will cover pharmacology relevant to continence management. Principles of history taking and relevant symptomology will also be taught.

About this paper

Paper title Pathophysiology of Incontinence
Subject Continence Management
EFTS 0.25
Points 30 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching, and involves in-person assessment
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
CTMX 401
Limited to
MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc
Eligibility

Suitable for registered nurses and physiotherapists who are currently working in a field that involves some aspects of continence management. Applicants should have at least two years’ post-registration experience.

Contact

postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Conveners: Dr Giovanni Losco and Dr Louise Rouse

Teaching Arrangements

Block course dates:

  • Monday 8 March – Wednesday 10 March
  • Monday 14 June – Wednesday 16 June

The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.
The paper is taught via two 3-day compulsory block courses in Christchurch, plus four evening video conferences via Zoom, together with the use of an interactive online learning platform, Moodle.

Textbooks

We have two recommended textbooks:

  • Chan, L. and, Tse, V. (2013). Multidisciplinary care of urinary incontinence: a handbook for health professionals. Springer.
  • Walters, M. and Karram, M. (2006). Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (3rd ed.). 

A link to an eBook version of these texts are available on Aoroa via the eReserve link. If you prefer to purchase the book, you can do so through Amazon or Springer.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will have a good knowledge of the principles of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the bladder and bowel, and the ability to manage patients with urinary and faecal incontinence.

Assessment details

Assessment is in the form of four assignments throughout the semester, based on modules being taught at Zoom videoconferences, and via block course attendance, contribution and performance.

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