The Clinical Foundations for Abdomino-Pelvic Pain Evaluation and Management
A hybrid, expert-led educational course designed to help healthcare professionals effectively evaluate and manage chronic pelvic pain through evidence-informed, guideline-based learning.
About the Course
Chronic pelvic pain is a significant global health concern, yet access to comprehensive educational resources for healthcare professionals remains limited. The International Pelvic Pain Society's Clinical Foundations Course provides an organized, practical approach to evaluating and managing patients with chronic pelvic pain.
Developed using adult learning principles, this asynchronous hybrid curriculum combines flexible, self-paced education with interactive learning opportunities.
The curriculum is grounded in current clinical guidelines and emphasizes the essential knowledge, assessment skills, and multidisciplinary strategies needed to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
What You Will Learn
Clinical Knowledge & Assessment
- Understand fundamental principles of pelvic pain evaluation and management.
- Explore current pathophysiologic mechanisms of pain and related conditions.
- Perform an initial assessment of patients with abdomino-pelvic pain.
- Interpret symptoms, clinical signs, and physical examination findings.
Patient-Centered Management
- Apply a biopsychosocial approach to pelvic pain evaluation and treatment.
- Incorporate shared decision-making and trauma-informed care.
- Identify noninvasive and invasive treatment strategies.
- Support multidisciplinary and individualized care planning.
How the Course Is Organized
Learn at Your Own Pace
Explore 20 asynchronous educational videos, with practical Action Plans and manageable learning tasks you can apply to your day-to-day clinical practice.
Interactive Learning
Participate in interactive live sessions that reinforce key clinical principles, offer opportunities for discussion, and connect course concepts to practice.
Case-Based Application
Conclude the course with an interactive case-based learning activity, bringing together the principles of assessment, clinical reasoning, and management.
Live educational sessions are recorded to support flexible learning and review.
Explore the Curriculum
The asynchronous curriculum includes educational modules covering the following topics:
- Persistent Pelvic Pain 101
- Pain Pathophysiology Unraveled
- History Taking Simplified
- Anatomical Basis of the Physical Exam
- Physical Exam: Anatomy and Examination
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Gynecology: Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis
- Gynecology: Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and Ovarian Remnant
- Urology
- Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Neuralgias
- Sexual Pain
- Abdominopelvic Adhesions
- Expanding Frontiers in Pelvic Pain
- The A Team
- Patient Education in Chronic Pelvic Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Therapies
- Medical Therapies
- Interventional Therapies
- Behavioral Approaches in Persistent Pelvic Pain
A Meaningful Next Step in Pelvic Pain Care
Completing the Clinical Foundations Course strengthens your knowledge and experience in chronic pelvic pain management while fulfilling one of the educational requirements for the Pelvic Pain Specialty Designation (PPSD). The course also helps prepare learners for the PPSD assessment and provides opportunities to connect with potential mentors and supporters throughout the designation process.