# The Impact of Mind-Body Medicine on Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain

## TL;DR

This study explores whether mindfulness therapy improves quality of life for women with chronic pelvic pain, finding some improvement in sleep and fatigue.

## Contribution

The study is one of the first to evaluate mindfulness-based therapy for chronic pelvic pain using patient-reported outcomes.

## Key findings

- Seven out of 13 patients showed a clinically significant improvement in sleep disturbance scores.
- Improvements in fatigue, pain interference, and social participation were observed in six patients each.
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a mind-body counseling program for pelvic pain.

## Abstract

Background

Recent research has suggested a role for mindfulness-based therapy for patients with chronic medical conditions, but there is limited data on pelvic pain. We aim to determine if mindfulness improves patient-reported outcomes in pelvic pain and to determine the feasibility of implementation of this program.

Methodology

This is a pilot feasibility trial consisting of women with chronic pelvic pain at a single academic tertiary referral clinic. A convenience sample of 15 subjects was enrolled. Subjects were scheduled for three 60-minute virtual mind-body sessions with a certified counselor. Baseline scores were obtained using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Computer Adaptive Testing (PROMIS-CAT) platform. They were repeated three months and six months after enrollment. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the study. Among the 13 patients who completed the three-month PROMIS-CAT scores, seven had a clinically significant 5-point improvement in sleep disturbance T-score. At least a 5-point improvement in fatigue, pain interference, and ability to participate in social roles and activities T-scores were observed in six patients each. There was a 40% dropout rate.

Conclusions

A formal mind-body counseling program can support patients with chronic pelvic pain. Our trial demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a program and modest improvement in patient-reported quality of life.