Endometriosis Group Care

A Novel Approach to Endometriosis Treatment: Piloting an Interdisciplinary Group Care Model

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of the Peer Empowered Endometriosis Pain Support (PEEPS) program in people living with endometriosis-related pelvic pain. The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

• Is PEEPS effective at decreasing pain interference and improving patient-reported quality of life outcomes?
• What are the barriers and facilitators to PEEPS implementation? Participants will engage in eight weekly 2-hour sessions led by an endometriosis specialist, pain psychologist, pelvic floor physical therapist, and yoga instructor. At these sessions they will participate in peer support, education, mindfulness, and yoga.

This is an 8 week interdisciplinary, integrative group care program conducted through the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). The program, called PEEPS, incorporates mindfulness, physical therapy, yoga, physical activity, nutrition, and education. Additionally, PEEPS will provide peer support and demonstrate investment of individual clinicians and the healthcare system.

The program focuses on equipping participants with pain management and coping skills so they have an expanded toolkit to manage their pain after completing the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-48 years
• Operative confirmation of endometriosis
• Chronic pelvic pain (defined as pain perceived to originate from the pelvis, lasting ≥6 months)
• No plan to have surgery in next 12 weeks
• Be able to attend eight 2-hour weekly sessions on the Washington University campus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking
• Currently pregnant
• Severe physical impairment
• History of hip or spine surgery
• Opioid use ≥ 5 days in the past 3 months, other than for the 6-week post-operative period
• Current or history of psychiatric disorder with psychosis
• Vulvadynia or vaginismus