Online randomised e-hypnotherapy for chronic pelvic pain study (REST): comparing e-hypnotherapy with relaxation and waitlist to improve pain, cost-effectiveness and biopsychosocial outcomes

Background Chronic pelvic pain, defined as persistent pain in the structures of the pelvis, is a condition that significantly impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of up to one-third of people worldwide, with substantial associated costs to both the individual and healthcare system/s. The present trial aims to establish the efficacy of e-hypnotherapy over relaxation and waitlist controls on pain, HRQoL and biopsychosocial outcomes, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. Methods A parallel-group, investigator-blinded, randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either a 7-week online personalised e-hypnotherapy programme (n=44), a 7-week online personalised relaxation control (n=44) or waitlist control (n=44). The primary outcome will be self-reported pain level, and secondary outcomes will include psychological distress, QoL, pain catastrophising, self-efficacy, central sensitisation, somatic symptoms, fatigue and sleep. Cost-effectiveness will also be examined. Longitudinal qualitative interviews will be conducted with participants in the e-hypnotherapy (n=20) and relaxation (n=20) groups to understand meaningful change and barriers/facilitators for ongoing use. Ethics and dissemination This protocol has received ethics approval in Australia from the Deakin University Research Ethics Committee (DUREC ref. 2024-080). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences related to chronic pelvic pain and mind–body interventions. Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000368639p.