Patients' illness models in chronic pelvic pain
R P Fry1, A H Crisp, R W Beard
1Department of Mental Health Sciences, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Patients with chronic pelvic pain lack clear illness concepts but desire specific treatments. A simple explanatory model, like venous congestion, may meet some needs, suggesting wider use of Kleinman
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Psychological Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects numerous women, often lacking clear etiological understanding.
- Patient conceptualizations of illness significantly influence treatment adherence and outcomes.
- Kleinman's explanatory model approach provides a framework for understanding patient illness beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore illness concepts in patients with chronic pelvic pain using a modified Kleinman approach.
- To identify patient concerns regarding treatment and prognosis in chronic pelvic pain.
- To assess the utility of a simple explanatory model in addressing patient needs.
Main Methods:
- A modified version of Kleinman's approach was used to elicit illness concepts.
- The study included 64 female patients diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain.
- Qualitative data on patient beliefs, concerns, and treatment preferences were collected.
Main Results:
- Patients demonstrated a lack of clear schemata regarding the causes of their chronic pelvic pain.
- A notable proportion of patients had defined preferences regarding treatments they wished to avoid.
- Key patient worries centered on the chronicity of pain, sexual function, and impact on work.
- A simple explanatory model, such as venous congestion, appeared to partially meet treatment needs.
Conclusions:
- Patients with chronic pelvic pain often have flexible and unclear illness concepts.
- Addressing patient concerns about chronicity, sex, and work is crucial in CPP management.
- Kleinman's explanatory model approach is a valuable tool for understanding and potentially treating CPP patients.
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