Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
951056 Journal of Psychosomatic Research 2006 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectiveChronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition in women, and care experiences are distressing and unsatisfactory for many. Research suggests that elements of the initial hospital consultation influence clinical outcome. This study aimed to identify the dimensions through which initial consultations were subsequently recalled at follow-up.MethodA questionnaire study of 100 women, 6 months following a hospital gynaecology consultation for CPP, was conducted. Measures of pain and ratings of the medical consultation were completed at initial consultation and at follow-up.ResultsFollow-up questionnaire items loaded to constructs of “affect”, “expectation”, and “cognition”, forming three subscales. Patients' initial ratings of the consultation and scores on all three subscales measured at follow-up were correlated, remaining significant for both affect and expectation after controlling for current pain status.ConclusionDoctor's affect and the appropriateness of information to meet expectations are important influences on experiences of care and contribute to the long-term therapeutic element of the consultation.

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