Amelia Mardon
Early Career Researcher, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
Amelia Mardon is an early career researcher in the field of pelvic pain. She is completing her PhD at the University of South Australia which has focused on investigating the role of pain science education and self-management strategies for females with persistent pelvic pain. Amelia also holds a position at Western Sydney University as a postdoctoral research fellow in reproductive health to continue her work looking at conservative and self-management interventions for endometriosis and pelvic pain.
Prior to undertaking her PhD, Amelia completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours). She has publications in field-leading journals including JAMA, BJOG, and PAIN. She has been an invited speaker at multiple scientific symposia and community outreach events. Through her research, she hopes to help people have a better understanding of their pelvis and pain to improve diagnostic delays and ultimately clinical outcomes. |
Knowledge is (Em)power(ment): The Latest in Pain Science Education for Pelvic Pain
Persistent pelvic pain is a complex, multifaceted condition that affects many people. Those with pelvic pain have frequently stated that a downfall to their care is the lack of timely education regarding their condition. Pain science education helps people unravel the complexity of pain by providing information on ‘how pain works’, including explanations about biopsychosocial contributors to pain, and how these factors can be modified to reduce pain and increase well-being.
There is emerging research suggesting pain science education may be beneficial for people with pelvic pain, however, there has yet to be a curriculum empirically developed to the specific nuances of the condition. Consumers and expert clinicians have provided input into key learning concepts for pelvic pain science education. Consumers, specifically, value pain science education because they provide an explanation and validation of their pain, a foundation for exploring options of self-management, and empowerment to take control of their pain journey. These consumer-centred conceptualisations of pain science concepts provide a framework for integrating pain science education into the clinical management of pelvic pain to improve patient outcomes.
There is emerging research suggesting pain science education may be beneficial for people with pelvic pain, however, there has yet to be a curriculum empirically developed to the specific nuances of the condition. Consumers and expert clinicians have provided input into key learning concepts for pelvic pain science education. Consumers, specifically, value pain science education because they provide an explanation and validation of their pain, a foundation for exploring options of self-management, and empowerment to take control of their pain journey. These consumer-centred conceptualisations of pain science concepts provide a framework for integrating pain science education into the clinical management of pelvic pain to improve patient outcomes.