Pelvic pain: a pathway for care developed for both men and women by the British Pain Society.

Abstract

This paper aims to explain the key points and highlight some of the controversies in the development of the British Pain Society's pelvic pain patient pathway map. Many clinicians lack experience and confidence with this group of patients, and this issue is highlighted. Additionally, the difficulties of classification and definitions in this area are discussed in detail. These are historical causes of disagreement among specialists which can lead to confused clinical care. This group of patients have multiple issues that cross many professional boundaries; they are best managed by the co-ordinated involvement of multiple teams. Patients suffer from significant distress and disability that often needs specialist assessment and intervention (interdisciplinary). This suggests that an integrated approach is required across the historic boundaries of primary and secondary care. A variety of interventions, including opioids and neuromodulation are recommended in the pathway and the controversies surrounding these inclusions are aired in detail.