Assessing the effectiveness of a pelvic pain management programme: does an endometriosis diagnosis influence outcome (a comparative analysis of outcomes in women with and without endometriosis) #MMPMID41384321
Johnson S; Liptrot M; Drew C; Bradshaw A; Lane N; Herron K
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2025[Dec]; 46 (1): 2598065 PMID41384321show ga
BACKGROUND: Pain Management Programmes (PMPs) are recommended for chronic pain, but their effectiveness for endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain (CPP) remains unclear. This study evaluates outcomes from a specialised, multidisciplinary Pelvic Pain Management Programme (PPMP) for women with chronic pelvic pain. It compares results between women with and without an endometriosis diagnosis. METHODS: Validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) capturing pain, physical function, and psychological wellbeing were collected at baseline (T1), post-treatment (T2), and 6-month follow-up (T3)for women completing a Pelvic PMP (September 2014 - June 2019). Outcomes were compared between women with and without endometriosis. RESULTS: At T2, clinically significant change was observed across pain (distress 45%), physical function (disability 24%, activity capacity 27-31%), psychological outcomes (self-efficacy 55%, depression 42%, acceptance 53% and catastrophising 43%). At T3, gains were maintained or increased pain (distress 53%), physical function (disability 42%, activity capacity 42-44%) and psychological outcomes (self-efficacy 68%, depression 56%, acceptance 64% and catastrophising 63%). Outcomes were comparable irrespective of diagnosis across all time points. CONCLUSIONS: The specialised PPMP produced meaningful improvements irrespective of diagnosis, suggesting shared central and psychosocial pain mechanisms. Findings support the need for equitable access to PPMPs and for future multicentre research evaluating long-term sustainability.
J+Psychosom+Obstet+Gynaecol 2025 ; 46 (1): 2598065
