The Persistent Pelvic Pain (PPP) Study: Factors influencing the outcomes in women presenting with persistent pelvic pain

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AIMS: This study aims to clarify factors impacting upon outcomes in women presenting with persistent pelvic pain (PPP). The study team are keen to understand whether there are specific features of the woman, including the type and severity of the pain, the duration of these symptoms, or her response to her pain, that might influence or predict her outcome and thus potentially allow selection of the most appropriate therapeutic approach for specific patient characteristics. METHODS: Pelvic pain is the most common indication for referral to the outpatient gynaecology clinic. Information regarding this study, including study information, consent, and questionnaires regarding symptoms, quality of life(QoL), pain catastrophisation scale(PCS), will be sent to patients at the same time as their appointment information. On arrival at their first appointment, the research assistant will approach the prospective participants to ensure that initial paperwork and questionnaires were received, and offer the opportunity for questions. If the patient agrees to participate and has not completed the questionnaires they will be encouraged to do so whilst waiting. Consent to access patient data from medical records will also be sought. All clinical decisions regarding management will be independent of study questionnaires. Clinicians, who with the patient, decide that surgery for the PPP is warranted, will be asked to complete a brief survey regarding the factors influencing this decision. Follow-up questionnaires at 6 monthly intervals will be sent (either electronic, utilising survey monkey, or in paper format with reply paid envelopes, depending on patient preference). The pilot study will conclude at a minimum of 36 months. Patient questionnaires will take 15-30minutes.