Women's Medicine Collaborative

Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be a challenging condition for patients. Living with chronic pain is often difficult and costly to manage. Shared medical appointments (SMAs), or group visits, are a way for patients to have their needs addressed more effectively and provides a platform to share experiences and mutual support with others coping with the same chronic condition.

To provide the best possible care for our patients, the Women’s Medicine Collaborative is recruiting patients with fibromyalgia to participate in a six-week research study pilot program that will teach patients about the condition, how other health factors can impact symptoms, and how to better manage the condition.

This is an unfunded study through the Lifespan/Brown University IRB.

Become Involved with the Research

You may be eligible if you are:

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
  • Are not pregnant.
  • Have no severe psychiatric disorders.

What Can You Expect?

If you meet eligibility criteria you can be a part of the next Fibromyalgia Shared Medical Appointment.

You will attend a one-hour orientation meeting plus six weekly SMAs with other patients (maximum 10) with fibromyalgia. Each SMA will last two hours and include time for stretching, mindfulness, and sharing experiences and feelings.

You will learn about a specific health topic each week and how it is related to fibromyalgia. Topics include: exercise, diet, mood, sleep, and living with chronic pain/medication management.

You will be asked to complete surveys related to your symptoms and health at the first and last sessions.

You will not be compensated for your participation.

How Can You Find Out More?

The study is being conducted by Mariah H. Stump, MD, MPH, FACP.

If interested, please call Shandi Iemma in the Lifespan Lifestyle Medicine Center at 401-793-7817 or email [email protected].