Womens health

Summary

Contact Katie Mann, c/o Physiotherapy Department, Southport District General Hospital, Town Lane, Kew Southport, Merseyside, PR9 6PH
Tel 01704 704150
Email dkmann@supanet.com
Website www.acpwh.org.uk
Area of interest All aspects of women's health, and also pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction in men.
Membership 680
CSP status recognised group
Subscription details Membership & affiliate members: £40.00
Associate: £40.00
Student & recently qualified: £15.00
Retired: £10.00
Corporate: £50.00
Publications Spring & Autumn Journals and various information leaflets and booklets
Who can join? Full membership is open to chartered physiotherapists who have passed at least one of the following courses: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ACPOG) part I, ACPOG foundation, ACPWH post registration physiotherapy course in obstetrics and gynaecology, University of East London continence course, University of Bradford courses, physiotherapy in women's health 1 and 2, and also to those who were previously members of the Obstetrics Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. A further route to full membership is available to chartered physiotherapists who have attained a postgraduate qualification (eg MSc or PhD) in a subject specific to women's health, and/or have published extensive and recognised (ie peer-reviewed) research within women's health, and who submit their application to the Education Sub-Committee for approval.

Membership is open to members of the CSP who are interested in women's health and may be working towards full membership. Associate membership is open to those health professionals who are not chartered physiotherapists. They do not have voting rights and they may only attend the AGM by invitation of the Executive Committee. There are also honorary, corporate and retired categories of membership.

What is expected of members? Members are expected to keep CPD up to date, to contribute to the journal and take part in the discussion groups, the annual conference, local workshops and study days. It is also expected that members inform the membership secretary of any changes in their circumstances to ensure the group's database is kept up to date.
How does the group support members' continuing professional development/lifelong learning? The ACPWH website

Regional network
The group has a network of 14 areas, organised by postcode.

Peer support/mentorship
Area representatives and clinical educators provide support to members. In addition, names and addresses of Executive Committee members are available from the CSP and in the ACPWH Journal.

Publications
ACPWH Journal is published twice a year. The Rotational Physiotherapists Handbook is available for use with junior or rotational posts. Further details of publications are available from the book and leaflet secretary.

Conferences and study days
An annual conference is held every autumn in different venues around the country and local groups organise workshops and study days.

Formal courses offered/recommended
Recommended courses are listed in the 'Who can join' section. Area representatives run approved short courses. The education sub-committee has also set up three short one-day courses in antenatal education, urinary continence and spinal and pelvic dysfunction.

Links with other groups/organisations
The ACPWH has contact with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives, the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women's Health, the National Childbirth Trust, the American Physical Therapy Association, Wellbeing, The Penell Institute, the British Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) Support Group, the Women's Health Association of the South African Society of Physiotherapy and has close ties with the women's health physiotherapists in Slovenia, Australia and New Zealand. Links with other CIGs include the MACP and Chartered Physiotherapists Promoting Continence.

How does the group promote research and evaluation? Promoting research awareness
The group has a dedicated research officer and all members are encouraged to publish research and audit in the journal. The research officer is currently setting up a research database.

Research/education awards
Members may apply to the Dame Josephine Barnes Bursary for funding for educational and research needs or promotion of women's health and continence in the UK and abroad. Applications are considered every six months and application forms are available from the ACPWH chairman.

The Anne Bird Prize is awarded annually to individuals who show overall excellence, professionalism and empathy in their educational development, and who make a special contribution to physiotherapy in women's health. Nominations are made to the ACPWH secretary by August 1st.

The Margie Polden Bursary to help students attend the annual conference encourages an interest in women's health at an early stage of an individual's career.

Published evidence-based material
ACPWH (2000), Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, CSP.

Useful information CSP (1994), Joint Statement on Working Together in Psychophysical Preparation for Childbirth, PA13, CSP
CSP (1996), Pelvic Floor and Vaginal Assessment, PA19, CSP
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