Patients' perspective on cognitive behavioural therapy after surgical treatment of endometriosis: a qualitative study

Abstract

Research question: Would adding cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to the treatment of endometriosis improve the quality of life of patients suffering from endometriosis-associated pain? The aim of this study was to identify if patients believed CBT should be added to endometriosis treatment and which form of CBT they would prefer: face-to-face individual or group, or web-based individual, sessions.

Design: Between November 2019 and January 2020, semi-structured focus groups were conducted using an interview guide to ensure all topics were discussed. Data collection was continued until saturation was obtained. The focus groups were transcribed word for word and openly encoded. Finally, themes were formulated.

Results: All participating women believed CBT should be offered to patients undergoing endometriosis surgery. They believed it could be an asset to improve quality of life. Participants preferred either in-person individual or group therapy. They stressed the importance of being offered a custom-made treatment plan, individually tailored to the different needs of different patients.

Conclusion: This study has shown that patients with endometriosis believe that CBT should be added to the standard treatment regimen of endometriosis in either group or individual face-to-face sessions, because they expect that CBT will improve their quality of life after surgery.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy; Endometriosis; Focus group; Pain; Quality of life.