Johnson, Selina 
ORCID: 0000-0001-8788-4512, Bradshaw, Alison, Bresnahan, Rebecca, Evans, Emma ORCID: 0000-0003-3991-9316, Herron, Katie and Hapangama, Dharani K ORCID: 0000-0003-0270-0150
(2025)
Biopsychosocial Approaches for the Management of Female Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review.
BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 132 (3).
pp. 266-277.
ISSN 1470-0328, 1471-0528
Abstract
<h4>Background/objective</h4>Current guidelines recommend biopsychosocial-informed treatment for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The objective of this systematic review was to describe the available biopsychosocial approaches for the treatment of CPP, and the outcomes reported, to understand how guideline-recommended treatments can be applied.<h4>Search strategy</h4>MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Emcare, AMED and Cochrane trial registries were searched (inception to 17 November 2023).<h4>Selection criteria</h4>CPP Studies in women where the principal treatment modality was a biopsychosocial approach were included. Prospero registration: CRD42022374256.<h4>Data collection/analysis</h4>Data extraction included study setting, population, study design, intervention characteristics and outcome measures and is described via a narrative synthesis.<h4>Results</h4>The review included 14 RCTs (871 patients) and identified four broad intervention categories (Acceptance Commitment Therapy n = 2, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy n = 6, Mindfulness-based approaches n = 2, and Physiotherapy-based interventions n = 4). Pain science education (PSE) and, exposure/engagement with valued activity were recognised as important aspects of treatment regardless of intervention type. The most utilised outcomes were pain reduction and emotional functioning, with all studies reporting improvements in these domains. Heterogeneity in outcomes prevented efficacy comparison. High risk of bias was identified in six studies (1/4 physiotherapy-based approaches, 2/6 CBT, 1/2 ACT and 2/2 mindfulness-based interventions).<h4>Conclusions</h4>CBT and ACT-based biopsychosocial approaches were found effective in reducing pain and improving psychometric outcomes for CPP. Evaluation indicated PSE, and exposure/engagement in valued activity are important components of biopsychosocial management. Outcome heterogeneity needs to be addressed in future trials.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Humans, Pelvic Pain, Female, Physical Therapy Modalities, Pain Management, Chronic Pain, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Nov 2024 13:58 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2025 23:38 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1471-0528.17987 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17987 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3187207 |
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