Abstract:
Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that negatively affects patients’ quality of life. Previous research has shown that these patients are commonly not taken seriously when seeking medical attention.
Aim: The aim was to examine the experiences of patients with ME/CFS regarding their interaction with Swedish primary healthcare professionals.
Method: The study used a qualitative and exploratory design, taking place in a specialist clinic in Sweden. Data consisted of interviews with 13 patients with ME/CFS, which were analysed using content analysis.
Findings: For patients, it was Feeling truly connected during the period before they received a diagnosis. Time is an important factor, and in the phase from initial symptoms to diagnosis, Knowledge is power.
Conclusion: Patients with ME/CFS were met with different levels of knowledge and interest from healthcare professionals. These challenges might be related to the relative unawareness and lack of knowledge of the disease and the underlying cultural scepticism still present.
Source: Bo Christer Bertilson., et al. “The Journey Towards Becoming Diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Patients’ Experiences”. EC Neurology 14.2 (2022): 49-56. https://www.ecronicon.com/ecne/pdf/ECNE-14-01012.pdf (Full text as PDF file)