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.

(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.