Hypnotherapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain: Patient & Healthcare Provider Perspectives

Objectives: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a complex condition with challenging management that requires an interdisciplinary, multimodal approach. Patients seek complementary treatments, such as hypnotherapy. However, data on formalized hypnotherapy programs for CPP treatment is limited. The purpose of this study is to explore and identify patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experiences, outcomes, and potential benefits and limitations of a formalized clinical hypnotherapy program offered at a Canadian CPP clinic.

Methods: A qualitative, inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Patients and HCP involved with a formalized hypnotherapy for CPP program were recruited from a CPP Clinic. A total of 14 participants (9 patients currently attending the clinic, 5 HCP) were interviewed. Virtual or in-person (Dale Sheard Centre for Solutions in Women’s Health) semi-structured interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed using an online transcription service. Transcripts were analyzed via inductive thematic analysis by two co-investigators using NVivo software with good intercoder reliability calculated via Kappa coefficient of 0.61.

Results: Different themes emerged, including perceived gap in healthcare system that is addressed by a clinical hypnotherapy program for biopsychosocial CPP treatment and mental health support; psychological safety and ability to build a therapeutic relationship, despite previous negative experiences; improved outcomes for patients and HCP including new coping strategies, and decreased time spent on psychological manifestations of CPP during appointments.

Conclusions: CPP Management is complex and may require adjunctive therapies, such as hypnotherapy. Formalized programs supported by interdisciplinary CPP clinics may improve patient outcomes, improve therapeutic relationships, decrease healthcare visits, and improve overall access to treatment for CPP.