ImportanceWomen with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICBPS) face isolation and treatment challenges. Group medical visits using Centering models have successfully treated other conditions but have not been explored in ICBPS.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe ICBPS pain and symptom control comparing standard treatment alone versus standard treatment augmented with Centering visits.Study DesignThis prospective cohort study recruited women with ICBPS receiving standard care (control) or standard care augmented with group Centering. We administered validated questionnaires at baseline and monthly for 12 months. The primary outcome was change in the pain numerical rating scale, with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Scale and Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score change as secondary measures.ResultsWe enrolled 45 women (20 Centering, 25 controls). Centering had significantly better numerical rating scale pain scores at 1 month (mean difference [diff], −3.45) and 2 months (mean diff, −3.58), better Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Scale scores at 1 month (mean diff, −10.62) and 2 months (mean diff, −9.63), and better Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score scores at 2 months (mean diff, −13.19), and 3 months (mean diff, −12.3) compared with controls. In modeling, treatment group (Centering or control) and educational levels were both associated with all the outcomes of interest. Beyond 6 months, there were too few participants for meaningful analyses.ConclusionsWomen with ICBPS participating in a Centering group have, in the short term, less pain, pain interference, and ICBPS-specific symptoms than patients with usual care alone. Larger studies with more follow-up are needed to determine if this treatment effect extends over time.

ImportanceWomen with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICBPS) face challenging treatment and feelings of isolation. Centering models of group medical visits have been successful in other spheres but have not been explored in ICBPS therapy.ObjectiveWe sought to describe opinions of women with ICBPS regarding Centering visits, including advantages, experience, and barriers to participation and efficacy.Study DesignPatients who attended Centering visits participated in a focus group and/or filled out written commentary in evaluations, and control patients were individually interviewed. We coded transcripts using NVivo software for emergent themes.ResultsWe conducted 4 control patient individual interviews, had one focus group of Centering patients, and collected comments from 34 post-Centering surveys. Emergent themes of interest included motivations and barriers to joining, cost, leadership, connecting with others, diversity, learning, alternative treatments, and areas for improvement. Regardless of participation in Centering, patients noted the importance of self-care and sharing with other women with ICBPS, and they emphasized feelings of isolation in their disease and discouraging health care experiences. Women in Centering noted that the biggest advantages of Centering were learning from other women with ICBPS, the creation of a welcoming and safe space, and the feeling that Centering was more of a support group than a medical visit. Women noted that barriers to Centering included cost and logistical issues, such as time and format.ConclusionsWomen with ICBPS treatment note that Centering group visits provide a sense of learning and community that opens them to a wider variety of options.

(Abstracted from Urogynecology 2023;29:410–421) Although difficult to diagnose and measure, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICBPS) affects up to 1 in 10 women (with even higher rates amid pelvic pain populations). This condition causes shame and stigma for its victims, leading to isolation, loneliness, and compromised ability to voice personal needs.