Journal article 64 views 16 downloads
Implementing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: A qualitative study
,
Sarah Peters,
Alison Wearden,
Karina Lovell,
Louise Fisher,
Carolyn A Chew-Graham
BMC Family Practice, Volume: 17, Issue: 1
Swansea University Author:
Becky Band
-
PDF | Version of Record
© 2016 Bayliss et al. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Download (479.69KB)
DOI (Published version): 10.1186/s12875-016-0453-8
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious research has highlighted that many GPs lack the confidence and knowledge to diagnose and manage people with CFS/ME. Following the development of an online training module for GPs, and an information pack and DVD for patients, this study explored the extent to which these resources...
| Published in: | BMC Family Practice |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1471-2296 |
| Published: |
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
2016
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67042 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Abstract: |
BackgroundPrevious research has highlighted that many GPs lack the confidence and knowledge to diagnose and manage people with CFS/ME. Following the development of an online training module for GPs, and an information pack and DVD for patients, this study explored the extent to which these resources can be implemented in routine primary care.MethodsSemi structured qualitative interviews were completed with patients and GPs across North West England. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using open exploratory thematic coding. Following this thematic analysis, the authors conducted a further theory-driven analysis of the data guided by Normalisation Process Theory.ResultsWhen used in line with advice from the research team, the information resource and training were perceived as beneficial to both patients and GPs in the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME. However, 47 % of patients in this study did not receive the information pack from their GP. When the information pack was used, it was often incomplete, sent in the post, and GPs did not work with patients to discuss the materials. Only13 out of 21 practices completed the training module due to time pressures and the low priority placed on low prevalence, contentious, hard to manage conditions. When the module was completed, many GPs stated that it was not feasible to retain the key messages as they saw so few patients with the condition. Due to the complexity of the condition, GPs also believed that the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME should take place in a specialist care setting.ConclusionWhile barriers to the implementation of training and resources for CFS/ME remain, there is a need to support CFS/ME patients to access reliable, evidence based information outside primary care. Our findings suggest that future research should develop an online resource for patients to support self-management. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Resources, Training, Implementation, Qualitative research, Primary health care |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
This paper outlines independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit Programme (Grant Reference PB-PG-0609-19108). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
The authors would like to thank the patient research partners and two patient involvement groups that provided valuable input into the development of the resources and the analysis of the data. We would also like to thank the practices and patients that gave their time to be involved in this study. |
| Issue: |
1 |