Dr. Uhlich has received nearly 1 million Swiss francs in research funding for her four-year project "Resilience Through Connection: Protective Factors for Well-being in Endometriosis Patients." Over the next four years, Dr. Uhlich will lead this project, which focuses on advancing women's health research and improving treatment outcomes for patients with endometriosis.

Innovative Treatment Approaches for Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women worldwide, causing chronic pain and significantly impairing quality of life. Since there is currently no cure and existing treatments are often inadequate, Dr. Uhlich is exploring new ways to improve patient well-being.

The project combines two promising approaches: mindfulness training and targeted partner support. Endometriosis does not just affect patients themselves, it impacts the entire family. That's why Dr. Uhlich has developed an innovative treatment approach that includes both patients and their partners.

Comprehensive Research in Three Phases

The study consists of three components: a meta-analysis on the effects of social support among endometriosis patients, a two-week diary study with 100 couples to identify protective and risk factors, and a randomized controlled trial to test the intervention. Both psychological and physiological measurements (cortisol levels) will be collected to comprehensively evaluate the intervention's effectiveness.

The "EMPOWER" intervention (Endometriosis through Mindfulness and Partner-Oriented Well-being for Relief) aims to help couples navigate endometriosis challenges together through mindfulness exercises and improved communication. Long-term follow-up assessments at one month and one year will test the sustainability of the effects.

Expected Impact

The Ambizione grant enables Dr. Uhlich to establish an independent research group as a group leader. The results will culminate in a practical handbook for patients and their partners, which will also be made available in countries with less privileged healthcare access.

This research has the potential to improve the lives of 190 million endometriosis patients worldwide. The cost-effective and scalable intervention could also be applied to other chronic conditions, potentially having broad impacts on healthcare delivery.