Responding flexibly to the complex problem of chronic pelvic pain: Incorporating patient needs into program...

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Pain Management
• Medical Education

Background:

• Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting women.
• Access to specialized interdisciplinary care for CPP is often limited.
• The specific educational needs of CPP patients remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the educational needs and preferences of patients with chronic pelvic pain.
• To develop and evaluate an interdisciplinary educational program for CPP management.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 136 patients at a tertiary CPP center identified key educational interests.
• An interdisciplinary educational program was developed, later adapted to a webinar format.
• A study group (n=20) completed pain-related functioning measures pre- and post-webinar.

Main Results:

• Patients expressed strong interest in learning about CPP diagnosis, treatment, coping, diet, and exercise.
• Webinar participants reported a significant reduction in pain-related interference.
• Feedback surveys indicated a positive evaluation of the educational program.

Conclusions:

• Patients with CPP actively seek knowledge to better manage their complex symptoms.
• Educational interventions tailored to patient needs can empower independent symptom management.
• Interdisciplinary educational programs, even in a webinar format, can be effective for CPP patients.