Online Education for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Overseen By Sara Till, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Severe physical impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on an educational program rather than medication changes.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment My Pelvic Plan website for chronic pelvic pain?

The use of apps and online resources in female pelvic medicine can improve patient education, which is a key component in managing chronic pelvic pain. This suggests that the My Pelvic Plan website could be effective by enhancing patients' understanding of their condition and available treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the online education treatment for chronic pelvic pain differ from other treatments?

The online education treatment for chronic pelvic pain is unique because it focuses on providing patient education and support through digital means, which can empower women to manage their health behaviors and situations. This approach is different from traditional treatments that often require face-to-face consultations and may not be as accessible due to time and resource constraints. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research is studying what things change the way people think about treatment for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The study team is also interested in whether a web-based educational and self-management program for chronic pelvic pain changes how people think about chronic pelvic pain treatments. The program contains several different self-guided modules that include cognitive and behavioral structuring, self-administration of acupressure, engaging in physical activity, and a brief introduction to pelvic floor physical therapy techniques. The study hypothesis is that patients with CPP will report that prior treatment experiences and most trusted source of medical information will be associated with baseline perceptions of various CPP treatment modalities.

Research Team

Sara Till, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Participants should be interested in exploring treatment options and willing to engage with a web-based educational program designed to help manage their condition.

Inclusion Criteria

English-language proficiency

I have had moderate to severe pelvic pain for at least 6 months.

I have an appointment at the University of Michigan for chronic pelvic pain.

Exclusion Criteria

Prior care within the Chronic Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Referral Clinic within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan for treatment of chronic pelvic pain (seen previously but meets criteria for new patient visit because > 3 year interval since last clinic visit)

I do not have severe physical impairments that prevent me from using the internet.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline questionnaires and structured interviews to explore prior treatment experiences and perceptions of treatment modalities

1 week

Intervention

Participants engage in a web-based educational and self-management program for chronic pelvic pain, including cognitive and behavioral structuring, self-administration of acupressure, physical activity, and pelvic floor physical therapy techniques

3 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in treatment perceptions and interest in treatment modalities

3 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• My Pelvic Plan website

Trial Overview The study is testing the 'My Pelvic Plan' website, which offers modules on cognitive restructuring, acupressure self-treatment, physical activity encouragement, and an introduction to pelvic floor physical therapy techniques.

Participant Groups

Group I: My Pelvic Plan Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This is a web-based self-guided program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Findings from Research

A survey of 136 women with chronic pelvic pain revealed that they are most interested in learning about diagnosis, treatment, coping strategies, and diet/exercise related to their condition, indicating a strong need for targeted educational resources.

After participating in a webinar designed to address these educational needs, patients reported a significant reduction in pain-related interference, suggesting that such educational programs can effectively empower patients to manage their symptoms better.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Responding flexibly to the complex problem of chronic pelvic pain: Incorporating patient needs into program development. Kreher, DA., Gubbels, AL., Eastin, S., et al.[2023]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Information about male chronic pelvic and urogenital pain on the Internet: an evaluation of Internet resources. [2018]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review on reported outcomes and outcome measures in female idiopathic chronic pelvic pain for the development of a core outcome set. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An update on the management of chronic pelvic pain in women. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of information technology (apps) in FPMRS. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beliefs and Narratives Associated with the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women. [2023]

6. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone App Using Mindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS): Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Centering as a model for group visits among women with chronic pelvic pain. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multidisciplinary approach to self care in chronic pelvic pain. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Responding flexibly to the complex problem of chronic pelvic pain: Incorporating patient needs into program development. [2023]