Persistent Pelvic Pain

Available
Coming soon
RANZCOG
RACGP
RNZCGP
ACRRM approved
ACNP endorsed
Clinicial leads
Dr Emily Ware
Rachel Andrew
Introduction
Complex pelvic pain requires a whole-person approach. This evidence-based, clinician-led course equips you with practical skills to confidently lead multidisciplinary care for women experiencing PPP. Gain everything you need to know to make a real difference.
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course Overview
Educational
Activities
9
hours
Reviewing
Performance
5
hours
Measuring
Outcomes
1.5
hours
What you will get

Immediate access to video modules and downloadable resources

Case studies, tools, and handouts to use in practice

CPD certification upon completion

Mobile and tablet-friendly access

What you will Learn
  • Understand key differences between types and drivers of persistent pelvic pain
  • Identify symptoms and clinical features of common PPP conditions like endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Apply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive communication techniques
  • Conduct appropriate examinations and order relevant investigations with patient comfort in mind
  • Develop effective, patient-led management and self-care plans
  • Collaborate confidently with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care
  • Navigate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options
  • Recognise when and how to refer patients to specialists for further care
Course Outline
Therapeutic relationship:
  • Determine patient led goals with a focus on function
  • Recall at least two verbal statements to validate what a patient is telling you
  • Identify the difference between sympathetic statements and empathetic statements
Sensitive communication:
  • Recognise an appropriate trauma informed sexual history
  • When discussing PPP demonstrate cultural and LGBTQIA+ sensitive language
Working out pain drivers from the history:
  • List three symptoms attributed to a presumptive diagnosis of endometriosis
  • Identify three common drivers of pain involved in PPP
  • Identify common presenting features of pelvic floor muscular dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome
  • Identify three clinical features of pain sensitisation
Recognising and avoiding trauma with examination and investigation:
  • List the considerations when examining a patient with PPP
  • Identify the tests involved in a STI screen for a patient presenting with PPP
  • Label the anatomy of neuromuscular involvement in PPP
Indications for specific investigations in PPP:
  • List three investigations for gastrointestinal symptoms in PPP
  • Identify ways to reduce the limitations of transvaginal ultrasound
How to reduce pain with pain science education
  • Identify three pain science concepts involved in PPP

Utilising resources for GP Care plans:
  • Recognise a patient friendly pain flare plan
  • Produce a whole self-care plan for a patient with PPP
Self-care during complex care:
  • Understand the importance of self-care for you as a practitioner.
Managing the multi-disciplinary team:
  • Identify with the role of Team Leader of an MDT when managing a patient with PPP
  • Summarise the role of each member of the MDT in PPP
Navigating treatment options for PPP:
  • Discuss with the patient the benefits and risks of ovarian suppression in PPP
  • Identify three pharmacological options for managing PPP
  • Identify three non-pharmacological treatments for PPP
Appropriate referrals while maintaining care:
  • List three clinical indicators that require referral to a gynaecologist with an interest in PPP
  • Determine when to refer to a Gastroenterologist
Understanding the work of the team:
  • List three evidence-based dietary interventions for PPP
  • Identify three exercises used for pelvic floor muscle relaxation
  • Identify three treatments a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist uses to rehabilitate persistent pelvic pain
  • List three psychological treatment modalities that can be useful for patients with PPP

Contributors
Clinical Professor Louise Owen

MBBS(Hons) FRACGP FAChSHM. Sexual Health Physician, Director State-wide Sexual Health Service, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, UTAS.

Dr Corrie Studd

Gastroenterologist MBBS, DMedSci, FRACP.

Dr Kirsten Connan

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon (Adv) FRANZCOG BSc MBBS(Hons) DRANZCOG DDU(O&G) MClinEd(Hons).

Associate Professor Leesa Van Niekerk

Dr Alison Deslandes

Dr Amelia Mardon

Emma Wuestner

Angela Vincent

Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Nurse, Post Graduate Cert Oncology Nursing, Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy – Academy of Hypnotic Science Melbourne, Mindfulness Practitioner Diploma, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner training, RN registration with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

what the clinicians say

"

I feel more confident to lead the team and formulate a cohesive written plan for patients (PPP). I feel really confident now with examination - the presentations by Rachel Andrew were so fantastic.

"

Anna, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

Very practical and easy to navigate.

"

Sue, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

This gives me such a good structure around getting all the details dealt with. Usually, I have felt too overwhelmed by all the different aspects of someone with pelvic pain. This has helped me set up a more ordered pathway. Thank you.

"

Lynda, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

Very helpful. Very relevant. Appropriate level for GP and very practical.

"

Dr J Bonny
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

This was an empowering experience to work through this CPD and to build up my own ‘toolkit’ and resources.

"

Dr A Edler, GP specialist
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant
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