De ervaringen van patiënten met chronische bekkenpijn over het multidisciplinaire spreekuur binnen het zorgpad

Introduction
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a complex multifactorial condition with an increasing prevalence probably due to a rising awareness. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is pain in the pelvic area, and often accompanied with complaints in other organ systems of the lesser pelvis. Patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome who present at our center are evaluated in a standardized care pathway with an integrated multidisciplinary consultation. The team works in a single center and consists of gynecologists, pain specialists, urologists, a pelvic floor physiotherapist and a psychologist. The aim of this interview study is to evaluate the value of the multidisciplinary consultation from the patient’s perspectives.
Methods
In a qualitative study we evaluated the experiences and perspectives of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome concerning the multidisciplinary consultation at the Radboud University Medical Center. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome who attended a multidisciplinary consultation between 2019-2022. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed via ATLAS.ti with the conventional content analysis.
Results
Data saturation was reached after seven interviews, followed by three confirmative interviews. In total 10 patients (22-76yrs) participated in the study. Three relevant themes were identified in the interviews: the deleterious effects of pain on overall health, the importance of design of the multidisciplinary consultation, and the performance of healthcare professionals (knowledge, skills and interaction with patients and colleagues). Participants suggested that although the consultation did not improve their pain experience, there was value in having a comprehensive assessment of their disease. Patients preferred the consultation to occur at the beginning of the care. Additionally, they acknowledged the performance of healthcare providers, and having their complaints recognized. However, some participants suggested the need for additional attention to mental health issues during the multidisciplinary consultation.
Discussion
Even though patients did not perceive the multidisciplinary consultation to improve their pain experience, they appreciated the sense of recognition by this team.
Conclusion
A multidisciplinary consultation is of value from the patients’ perspective. A suggestion for improvement emerged where the multidisciplinary consultation should occur at the beginning of the patient journey.