The development and efficacy of an interdisciplinary chronic pelvic pain program

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Women's Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects approximately 14% of women.
• Interdisciplinary pain management is the gold standard but scarce in Canada.
• This study details the creation and outcomes of a novel CPP program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an interdisciplinary chronic pelvic pain program.
• To evaluate patient-related outcomes following participation in the program.

Main Methods:

• Referrals from specialists to an eight-day interdisciplinary program.
• Program components included physiotherapy, psychoeducation, CBT, and mindfulness.
• Paired sample t-tests analyzed pre- and post-program psychometric questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in quality of life, readiness for change, and pain self-efficacy.
• Reductions in pain catastrophizing and fear of pain/re-injury were noted.
• Thirty-seven female patients completed the program, showing positive short-term effects.

Conclusions:

• Chronic pelvic pain necessitates comprehensive, interdisciplinary care.
• The study highlights the short-term efficacy of an interdisciplinary CPP program.
• Findings underscore the unique needs of women with CPP and inform future treatment strategies.