Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis

Abstract Introduction Endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain among women. The pain associated with endometriosis significantly impacts various aspects of patients' quality of life. A notable void in the literature is the absence of a systematic review exploring pain communica...

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Main Authors: Nastasja Robstad, Anita Paulsen, Ingvild Vistad, Alexandra Christine Hott, Kari Hansen Berg, Anita Øgård‐Repål, Jannicke Rabben, Eirunn Wallevik Kristoffersen, Gudrun Rohde
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14995
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author Nastasja Robstad
Anita Paulsen
Ingvild Vistad
Alexandra Christine Hott
Kari Hansen Berg
Anita Øgård‐Repål
Jannicke Rabben
Eirunn Wallevik Kristoffersen
Gudrun Rohde
author_facet Nastasja Robstad
Anita Paulsen
Ingvild Vistad
Alexandra Christine Hott
Kari Hansen Berg
Anita Øgård‐Repål
Jannicke Rabben
Eirunn Wallevik Kristoffersen
Gudrun Rohde
author_sort Nastasja Robstad
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain among women. The pain associated with endometriosis significantly impacts various aspects of patients' quality of life. A notable void in the literature is the absence of a systematic review exploring pain communication between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals. Hence, the aim of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize findings on how patients with endometriosis experience communicating with healthcare professionals about pain and how healthcare professionals experience these interactions. Material and Methods A systematic literature search was conducted related to patients with endometriosis and pain communication in CINAHL PLUS with full text and MEDLINE (via EBSCO host) on May 12, 2023, and updated January 26, 2024. Searches were supplemented by backward searching reference lists and forward searching citations of included reports in Scopus and Google Scholar. The review was guided by the four‐step meta‐synthesis methodology by Sandelowski and Barosso. Critical appraisal of included studies was conducted using Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP). Findings were analyzed thematically, using the approach described by Thomas and Harden. The meta‐synthesis was based on a registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD 42023425430), and the study is reported adhering to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Results Overall, 37 reports published from 2003 until 2023 contributed to the review, including 4842 participants. Through thematic analysis, we developed the following themes: “Navigating the double burden,” “Lack of mutual understanding,” and “The complexities of conveying pain.” Conclusions The communication of pain between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals is complex, encompassing patterns of disbelief, normalization, and psychological attribution. Engaging in discussions about pain presents diverse challenges stemming from insufficient communication skills and assessment tools. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals, aiming to devise strategies that enhance communication and patient care.
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spelling doaj-art-7a893ab166a2445eb8162b138e67dcd02025-08-20T03:30:53ZengWileyActa Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica0001-63491600-04122025-01-011041395410.1111/aogs.14995Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesisNastasja Robstad0Anita Paulsen1Ingvild Vistad2Alexandra Christine Hott3Kari Hansen Berg4Anita Øgård‐Repål5Jannicke Rabben6Eirunn Wallevik Kristoffersen7Gudrun Rohde8Department of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics Sorlandet Hospital Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sorlandet Hospital Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayDepartment of Health and Nursing Science University of Agder Kristiansand NorwayAbstract Introduction Endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain among women. The pain associated with endometriosis significantly impacts various aspects of patients' quality of life. A notable void in the literature is the absence of a systematic review exploring pain communication between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals. Hence, the aim of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize findings on how patients with endometriosis experience communicating with healthcare professionals about pain and how healthcare professionals experience these interactions. Material and Methods A systematic literature search was conducted related to patients with endometriosis and pain communication in CINAHL PLUS with full text and MEDLINE (via EBSCO host) on May 12, 2023, and updated January 26, 2024. Searches were supplemented by backward searching reference lists and forward searching citations of included reports in Scopus and Google Scholar. The review was guided by the four‐step meta‐synthesis methodology by Sandelowski and Barosso. Critical appraisal of included studies was conducted using Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP). Findings were analyzed thematically, using the approach described by Thomas and Harden. The meta‐synthesis was based on a registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD 42023425430), and the study is reported adhering to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Results Overall, 37 reports published from 2003 until 2023 contributed to the review, including 4842 participants. Through thematic analysis, we developed the following themes: “Navigating the double burden,” “Lack of mutual understanding,” and “The complexities of conveying pain.” Conclusions The communication of pain between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals is complex, encompassing patterns of disbelief, normalization, and psychological attribution. Engaging in discussions about pain presents diverse challenges stemming from insufficient communication skills and assessment tools. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals, aiming to devise strategies that enhance communication and patient care.https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14995communicationendometriosishealthcare professionalspainpatient
spellingShingle Nastasja Robstad
Anita Paulsen
Ingvild Vistad
Alexandra Christine Hott
Kari Hansen Berg
Anita Øgård‐Repål
Jannicke Rabben
Eirunn Wallevik Kristoffersen
Gudrun Rohde
Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
communication
endometriosis
healthcare professionals
pain
patient
title Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
title_full Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
title_fullStr Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
title_full_unstemmed Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
title_short Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta‐synthesis
title_sort experiences of pain communication in endometriosis a meta synthesis
topic communication
endometriosis
healthcare professionals
pain
patient
url https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14995
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