Tahlia, one of EPPICS’ first patients.
A groundbreaking new initiative on the Gold Coast is reshaping how women and girls with endometriosis and pelvic pain are treated.
The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Clinical Services (EPPICS) is the first of its kind in Queensland, offering a holistic approach to supporting women and girls who have been living with persistent pain, often for many years.
During the consultation process to establish EPPICS, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service worked closely with the consumer organisation Queensland Endometriosis association (QENDO) and identified the lack of access to timely diagnosis, treatment and care for endometriosis, and pelvic pain were areas of significant concern.
Instead of focusing solely on diagnosis or surgery, the service brings together gynaecologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, and clinical nurse consultants to treat the whole person – not just the condition.
Gynaecologist Dr Angela Model
Gynaecologist Dr Angela Model, one of the clinic’s leading specialists, said the goal of EPPICS is simple: to improve quality of life.
“We’re not just treating endo or pelvic pain, we’re also treating the impact it has on every part of a woman’s life,” Dr Model said.
“Persistent pain can affect mood, relationships, work, digestion, and their overall health and wellbeing. We work together to address all of it.”
Since launching in early 2024, EPPICS has supported more than 700 women, with over 650 receiving care from multiple specialists, highlighting the need for a multidisciplined approach.
One of those patients is 24-year-old Tahlia, who spent more than a decade seeking answers before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis.
Her story reflects the experience of many women who, on average, wait seven years for an endometriosis diagnosis.
“EPPICS has completely changed my life,” Tahlia said.
Like many women and girls, Tahlia was told by people around her that period pain is normal, to suck it up, and get on with it. She said if you do that, you’re stuck in a catch-22 situation.
“When you’re told to deal with it and push through - and everyone sees you doing that - it makes it even harder to say ‘there’s something wrong’, and easier for them to say ‘there isn’t, you’re fine,’” she said.
“Then you start to believe people when they say it’s all in your head.”
On average, women wait seven years for an endometriosis diagnosis.
After years of dealing with persistent pain, Tahlia was one of the first to access EPPICS.
“I was there with a group of seven girls and it was the first time I felt that I wasn’t alone,” she said.
“The team is amazing, each person offers something different, and they’ve been an important part of my wellbeing and recovery.
“It was so validating to have them acknowledge my pain and understand my journey.
“There’s no judgement and they adapt their approach to suit me. They don’t give you a one-size-fits-all treatment because that doesn’t exist anyway.
“They’ve helped me, not just with endo, but on multiple levels within my life, both physically and emotionally.”
Thanks to EPPICS, Tahlia was able to fast-track her laparoscopy and begin a new chapter in her health journey, from advocacy to recovery.
She’s since been discharged from the service, but the EPPICS team provided a detailed handover to Tahlia’s GP so management can be continued in the community.
She will also have the option to schedule check-in appointments to ensure everything is going okay.
Dr Model hopes that one day all Queensland women and girls will have access to this type of care.
“The service is already showing strong results, with patients reporting improved physical and emotional wellbeing, and easier access to a wide range of treatments,” Dr Model said.
“Its success is already sparking conversations about expanding the model to other hospital and health services across Queensland.
“We’ve had meetings with surgeons, radiologists, and care coordinators so we can help to streamline treatment pathways and reduce wait times, ensuring more women get help sooner.
“Our multidisciplinary approach means we don’t leave any stone unturned.
“We get the best shot at providing care and treatment to the patient and it really is making all the difference.
“So many patients have benefited greatly from EPPICS, it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
The holistic and multidisciplinary model of care being delivered by EPPICS has proven to be extremely valuable and will be considered in future work under the Women and Girls’ Health Improvement Program.
Learn more about EPPICS, including accessing the service, here.