Tag: medical education

Development and Implementation of an Online Patient Education Program for Children and Adolescents With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Their Parents, Siblings, and School Personnel: Protocol for the Prospective BAYNET FOR ME/CFS Study

Abstract:

Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) presents significant challenges for affected children and adolescents, their social environment, and treating physicians, due to its profound impact on quality of life and the lack of causal therapeutic approaches. One crucial aspect of care that has been missing for these patients is comprehensive education for both them and their social circles.

Objective: This study protocol aims to outline the goals, study design, execution, and evaluation of the subproject within the BAYNET FOR ME/CFS project. The focus is on developing online education programs for children and adolescents with ME/CFS, as well as for their parents, siblings, and school staff. These programs are designed to improve independent disease management, increase knowledge, and promote interaction with other affected individuals.

Methods: In phase I, the group-based online education programs were developed by a multidisciplinary team based on the ModuS concept created by the Competence Network for Patient Education (KomPaS). These programs were then piloted and finalized. Phase II involved recruiting participants and implementing the finalized programs. Given the restricted physical and cognitive capacities of the affected individuals, the patient education programs were exclusively designed in a digital format to facilitate participation. In phase III, the programs will be evaluated for acceptance, completeness, and participant satisfaction. The qualitative assessment will focus on individual expectations and benefits derived from the training. Phase IV will further assess the programs in terms of improvements in disease knowledge, health-related quality of life, life satisfaction, and family burden.

Results: The programs were developed, piloted, and finalized during phase I, which ran from December 2022 to May 2023. The pilot phase, from March to May 2023, led to adaptations in the program concept. In total, 8 patients and their parents, 5 siblings, and 59 school staff participated in the piloting. Adjustments were made to the format, content, duration, and schedule to better meet the needs of the affected individuals and their social circles. In phase II, participant recruitment for the patient education program took place from January to July 2023. The study successfully recruited 24 young patients with ME/CFS and their parents, along with 8 siblings and 51 school staff. Two program blocks for patients and parents and 2-3 blocks for siblings and school staff commenced in May 2023 and were completed within the same year. Phase III began after phase II and involves the evaluation of the programs, with the process expected to conclude by the end of 2024. Phase IV, planned for 2025-2026, will involve the rollout of the program to 150 children and their caretakers. This phase will focus on evaluating disease knowledge, health-related quality of life, life satisfaction, and family burden, as well as include longitudinal assessments.

Conclusions: The data aim to support the development of a comprehensive, interprofessional care model for children and adolescents with ME/CFS.

Source: Keicher F, Thomann J, Erlenwein J, Schottdorf M, Reiter NL, Scholz-Schwärzler NP, Vogel B, Warlitz C, Stojanov S, Augustin S, Goldbrunner L, Schanz L, Dodel V, Zipper C, Schiweck N, Jaeschke R, Saramandic M, Wiejaczka K, Eberhartinger M, Dettmer K, Hattesohl DBR, Englbrecht S, Behrends U, Spiegler J. Development and Implementation of an Online Patient Education Program for Children and Adolescents With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Their Parents, Siblings, and School Personnel: Protocol for the Prospective BAYNET FOR ME/CFS Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2024 Nov 21;13:e54679. doi: 10.2196/54679. PMID: 39570662. https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e54679 (Full text)

Virtual reality education on myalgic encephalomyelitis for medical students and healthcare professionals: a pilot study

Abstract:

Introduction: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition which may be characterised by debilitating fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties. ME/CFS has significant negative impact on quality of life for those living with the condition. This may be exacerbated by a lack of knowledge within healthcare regarding the condition. Previous research has found that immersive virtual reality (VR) educational experiences within healthcare education can increase knowledge and empathy.

Methods: The present study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design to investigate the impact of a short immersive VR educational experience on knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy for those living with the condition. The VR experience placed participants into a virtual scene which told real life stories of the experience of people living with ME/CFS and their families. 43 participants completed in this pilot study: 28 medical students and 15 primary care health professionals. Participants completed measures of knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy before and after engagement with the experience.

Results: A statistically significant increase was found for levels of knowledge (p < .001, d = 0.74) and empathy (p < .001, d = 1.56) from pre-VR experience levels to post-VR experience levels with a medium and large effect size, respectively. Further analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between baseline levels of knowledge of ME/CFS between healthcare professionals and medical students.

Discussion: The present study is the first to explore the use of this short immersive VR experience as an education tool within healthcare to increase knowledge of ME/CFS, and empathy for those living with the condition. Findings allude to the previously established lack of knowledge of ME/CFS within healthcare although promisingly the increases in knowledge and empathy found suggest that this immersive VR experience has potential to address this. Such changes found in this small-scale pilot study suggest that future research into the use of VR as an educational tool within this setting may be beneficial. Use of a control group, and larger sample size as well as investigation of retention of these changes may also enhance future research.

Source: Anderson T, Duffy G, Corry D. Virtual reality education on myalgic encephalomyelitis for medical students and healthcare professionals: a pilot study. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Sep 17;24(1):1018. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05990-2. PMID: 39289650; PMCID: PMC11409778. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11409778/ (Full text)

ANZMES Releases Essential Resource for Healthcare Professionals to Manage Hospital Stays of Severe ME/CFS and long COVID Patients

Press Release:

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ANZMES (the National Advisory on ME/CFS and a RNZCGP registered provider of continuing education) has released a short reference guide for secondary care. The resource acts as a guide for healthcare professionals in managing hospital stays for patients suffering from severe-very severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (lC). It aims to improve patient care by addressing the unique needs and symptoms of patients with severe ME/CFS and lC during their hospital admissions.

“ME/CFS is a complex condition and its severity is often misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Severe patients are housebound. Very severe patients are bedbound, with very high needs requiring 24/7 care. Hospitalisation often occurs due to undernutrition, infections, and dysautonomic issues. Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare professionals have the knowledge to effectively manage patients during hospital admissions so as not to exacerbate their severe and debilitating symptoms,” says ANZMES president, Fiona Charlton.

“Our aim with this new resource is to provide a clear and concise reference guide for healthcare professionals to enhance patient care. While the assessment and evaluation of long COVID may differ from ME/CFS, the management of long COVID closely mirrors it, so we have leveraged our medical team’s expertise to develop a guide to support the effective care of these patients in a hospital setting.” She says.

The resource outlines essential strategies for managing severe symptoms, including intense muscle and joint pain, extreme sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and chemicals, impaired mobility often necessitating a wheelchair, severe gastrointestinal issues, and increased susceptibility to infections due to immune dysfunction.

“For very severe patients, a light touch of the arm can be interpreted by the body as pain. Bright light can cause post-exertional malaise. People with very severe ME/CFS and long COVID spend the majority of their lives in darkened rooms, wearing noise cancelling headphones and eye masks. They are unable to eat properly, or bathe and toilet themselves without full time carers, and it is often a family member who assumes this role.” The impact of this on everyone cannot be underestimated.

An overview of key recommendations include:

  • Sensory Adjustments: Dim lighting, minimise noise, and provide private rooms to reduce sensory stress.
  • Medication and Nutrition: Avoid histamine-releasing anaesthetics and muscle relaxants. Use medications like propofol, midazolam, and fentanyl with caution. Monitor hydration and consider IV saline for orthostatic intolerance.[1]
  • Activity and Rest: Recognise that even minimal interactions, such as being spoken to or exposure to light, can trigger PEM. Prioritise rest and avoid any unnecessary activity.
  • Communication and Cognitive Support: Involve family and caregivers as representatives, especially when the patient cannot communicate; or simplify communication by providing written instructions and allowing extra time for patients to process information.
  • Care and Support: Recognise the psychological impact, validate the severity of conditions, and provide access to counselling and mental health support. Include family members or caregivers in discussions and allow them to stay with the patient if requested.

ANZMES emphasises the importance of personalised care plans, the involvement of patient’s family members and their regular health team to understand the severity of their condition. The guide also encourages connections with local support groups and resources for additional advocacy and support for not only patients, but also their carers to avoid burnout. Remote consultations and home visits are recommended to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

ANZMES president, Fiona Charlton concludes “We believe that education is key to improving outcomes for patients with severe-very severe ME/CFS and long COVID. By providing this resource, we aim to enhance the knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals so they are equipped when these patients are admitted under their care.”

Understanding ME/CFS and long COVID:

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term, multi-systemic illness affecting the nervous, endocrine, autonomic, and immune systems. Patients experience severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, and orthostatic intolerance. With over 100-200+ potential symptoms, the condition’s impact can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management highly individualised. Roughly 25% of all ME/CFS cases are categorised as mild, 50% as moderate-severe and 25% as very severe.[2] [3]

Long COVID is characterised by persistent, unexplained symptoms following infection with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) lasting more than 12 weeks and not explained by an alternative diagnosis. Both conditions share symptoms such as extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE), with up to 50% of long COVID cases fitting the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), also referred to as post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) in the context of long COVID, is a debilitating response to normal, every-day activities in people with ME/CFS. For individuals with severe-very severe ME/CFS or lC, this can be triggered by sensory overload, such as exposure to light or even simple conversations. Repeated episodes of PEM can exacerbate these already severe symptoms, and even minimal exertion can lead to significant setbacks for the patient’s health and wellbeing.

About ANZMES

ANZMES, the Associated New Zealand ME Society, is the National Advisory on ME/CFS. Established in 1980, ANZMES has been at the forefront of research, representation, and education for ME/CFS in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The organisation is a registered provider of continuing medical education with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by ME/CFS and long COVID. ANZMES is a founding member of the World ME Alliance.

 

Medical students highlight the importance of medical education, kindness, compassion and belief when learning about patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

‘Imagine my surprise to discover ME/CFS is definitely not rare, but inexplicably and infuriatingly unacknowledged’. Fifth year medical student, Scotland.
Earlier this year, medical students at Scottish medical schools were invited to take part in an essay competition, 500 words on the topic of ‘What is your most important learning point about myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)?’ This edition proudly features the first prize winning essay of the competition which was funded by the Scottish Government’s education project; Learn About ME.1
ME/CFS affects at least 280,000 people in the UK, including approximately 23,000 in Scotland. It is a neurological disease with multisystem symptoms, often triggered by a virus. People with ME/CFS may be left bedbound or housebound with a significantly reduced quality of life.2 Yet many healthcare professionals do not know how to diagnose or manage this devastating disease, nor do they know how, or what, to teach our next generation of doctors.3
People with ME/CFS, and a subset of those with long COVID, experience symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, profound fatigue, brain fog and orthostatic intolerance.4
Patients can also present with sore throats, muscle aches, disrupted sleep, changes in bowel habit, joint and bone pain, problems with multitasking and short-term memory, word-finding difficulties, headaches, changes in smell and taste, tinnitus, disrupted menses, breathlessness, dizziness, skin rashes and hair loss.4
Research into underlying mechanisms has revealed key defects: an abnormal response to repeat exercise, gait and strength abnormalities, immune system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, altered blood cell morphology and clotting, problems with cellular-energy delivery, microbial gut dysbiosis and changes in metabolomics.5
The lack of medical education on this topic and resulting weak clinical knowledge of ME/CFS has resulted in delays to diagnosis, multiple clinic referrals and a huge cost to every taxpayer. ME/CFS costs the UK an estimated £3.3 billion a year6 and long COVID clinics cost millions, with funding being extended for this chronic condition. Yet Scottish services are struggling to find healthcare practitioners to deliver this care or worse, offering potentially harmful patient support workshops that are directly in conflict with the NICE (NG206) 2021 ME/CFS guidelines such as the highly criticised ‘Lightning Process’.7 Medical education on ME/CFS and post-acute infectious disease is urgently needed for earlier recognition and better management.
One student described the experience and delay in diagnosis for two of their family members: ‘. . .these young women were discarded as victims of teenage laziness or anxiety. They had to fight to gain support from their GP (General Practitioner) and their diagnosis took several second opinions and ultimately years’.
Outdated treatment using graded exercise, shown to harm ME/CFS patients, has been rebranded as ‘activity management’ in some services and offered to both ME/CFS and long COVID patients. Another medical student displayed incredible insight in recognising the deficiency of the current system, which relies largely on patient self-help: ‘the burden being placed on the patient to improve their condition through mental work’.
The key feature of ME/CFS is PEM. The most important thing to learn about PEM is that even trivial activity (whether physical, mental or emotional) can exacerbate symptoms, and that this exacerbation or flare can be delayed. A person with ME/CFS who can sit upright for five minutes on a given day could be too ill to sit up at all the next day due to PEM.8
A traditional rehabilitation programme led by a physiotherapist might include graded activity or exercise. For a non-ME/CFS person following a sports injury, orthopaedic surgery or intensive care, gently increasing activity for just a few minutes, or a few steps at a time is ideal. However, for ME/CFS patients, this approach could be incredibly harmful. People with ME/CFS need to conserve their energy and pace themselves to avoid a flare in symptoms.4
People who are only mildly affected still experience a major negative impact on their ability to work. They have very little energy for socialising, hobbies and housework. For those moderately affected, basic activities of normal daily living such as preparing food, washing and dressing can cause symptom exacerbation. Very severely affected individuals, who are often bedbound, can experience PEM from simply turning in bed, speaking and digesting food.9
ME/CFS also has a major impact on family members’ quality of life.2 Nearly a third of medical students responding commented on the impact on quality of life as being one of the most important things to learn about this disease.
Several students wrote about a family member, or friend, whom they knew with ME/CFS. Sadly, it was a recurring theme that the medical students explained they had not been taught about ME/CFS at medical school. One commented: ‘Alas, the only time in the last four years I have encountered the term ME/CFS at medical school was as a differential diagnosis for fibromyalgia’.
It is vital that this topic features more prominently in the medical curriculum, and in our medical textbooks, to avoid patient harm due to delayed or mis-diagnosis and mismanagement. There is a lot we can offer ME/CFS patients: an early and accurate diagnosis, medication for symptom control, practical support with disability applications and mobility aids, but above all, these medical students have reminded us that ME/CFS patients should be treated with kindness, compassion and belief.10
Source: Muirhead NL. Medical students highlight the importance of medical education, kindness, compassion and belief when learning about patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2024 May 27:14782715241255977. doi: 10.1177/14782715241255977. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38798174. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14782715241255977 (Full text)

Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: a scoping review

Abstract:

Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS) is a debilitating, complex, multi-system illness. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the multiple and interconnected barriers to optimal care will help advance strategies and care models to improve quality of life for people living with ME in Canada.

Objectives: To: (1) identify and systematically map the available evidence; (2) investigate the design and conduct of research; (3) identify and categorize key characteristics; and (4) identify and analyze knowledge gaps related to healthcare system barriers for people living with ME in Canada.

Methods: The protocol was preregistered in July 2022. Peer-reviewed and grey literature was searched, and patient partners retrieved additional records. Eligible records were Canadian, included people with ME/CFS and included data or synthesis relevant to healthcare system barriers.

Results: In total, 1821 records were identified, 406 were reviewed in full, and 21 were included. Healthcare system barriers arose from an underlying lack of consensus and research on ME and ME care; the impact of long-standing stigma, disbelief, and sexism; inadequate or inconsistent healthcare provider education and training on ME; and the heterogeneity of care coordinated by family physicians.

Conclusions: People living with ME in Canada face significant barriers to care, though this has received relatively limited attention. This synthesis, which points to several areas for future research, can be used as a starting point for researchers, healthcare providers and decision-makers who are new to the area or encountering ME more frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Said Hussein, Lauren Eiriksson, Maureen MacQuarrie, Scot Merriam, Maria Dalton, Eleanor Stein, Rosie Twomey. Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: a scoping review. medRxiv [Preprint] https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.20.23295809v1.full-text (Full text)

Long Covid requires a global response centred on equity and dialogue

Abstract:

Long Covid, or Post-Covid Conditions, is a global health problem. Yet we know strikingly little about the different experiences of Long Covid patients cross-nationally. To address this shortcoming, we conducted an online survey of Long Covid patients active on social media in the U.S. (n = 334, October to December 2021) and Brazil (n = 144, January to April 2022). Our analysis of short answer responses indicates patient dissatisfaction with medical care provided for Long Covid in both the U.S. and Brazil. For Long Covid patients in Brazil, there were additional concerns raised about the lack of local expertise about their condition.

Based on these results, we urge policymakers to expand the education of medical professionals in order to raise awareness of Long Covid. Experts in the Global North should also be encouraged to engage in dialogue with patient groups and experts in the Global South, in order to better understand how local contexts shape the experience of Long Covid.

Source: Au L, Capotescu C, Curi A, Gonçalves Leonel da Silva R, Eyal G. Long Covid requires a global response centred on equity and dialogue. Glob Health Action. 2023 Dec 31;16(1):2244757. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2244757. PMID: 37581581; PMCID: PMC10431739. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10431739/ (Full text)

eLearning improves allied health professionals’ knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of eLearning by allied health professionals on improving the knowledge and confidence to manage people with medically unexplained chronic fatigue states (FS).

Methods: Using a parallel randomized controlled trial design, participants were randomized 1:1 to a 4-week eLearning or wait-list control group. Knowledge and self-reported confidence in clinical skills to implement a therapeutic intervention for patients with FS were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Secondary outcomes (adherence and satisfaction with online education, knowledge retention) were also assessed. Data was analyzed using intention-to-treat.

Results: There were 239 participants were randomized (eLearning n = 119, control n = 120), of whom 101 (85%) eLearning and 107 (89%) control participants completed baseline assessments and were included in the analysis. Knowledge (out of 100) improved significantly more in the eLearning group compared to the control group [mean difference (95% CI) 8.6 (5.9 to 11.4), p < 0.001]. Knowledge was reduced in the eLearning group at follow-up but was still significantly higher than baseline [6.0 (3.7 to 8.3), p < 0.001]. Median change (out of 5) in confidence in clinical skills to implement the FS intervention was also significantly greater in the eLearning group compared to the control group [knowledge: eLearning (1.2), control (0); clinical skills: eLearning (1), control (0.1); both p < 0.001)]. Average time spent on the eLearning program was 8.8 h. Most participants (80%) rated the lesson difficulty as at the “right level”, and 91% would recommend it to others.

Conclusions: eLearning increased knowledge and confidence to manage FS amongst allied health professionals and was well-accepted.

Registration: ACTRN12616000296437 https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370222&isReview=true.

Source: Jones MD, Casson SM, Barry BK, Li SH, Valenzuela T, Cassar J, Lamanna C, Lloyd AR, Sandler CX. eLearning improves allied health professionals’ knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res. 2023 Aug 16;173:111462. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111462. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37619433. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399923003197 (Full text)

Evaluation of a Webinar to Increase Health Professionals’ Knowledge about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Abstract:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe chronic illness and patients with ME/CFS are often medically underserved in Germany and other countries. One contributing factor is health professionals’ lack of knowledge about epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of ME/CFS. Opportunities are scarce for health professionals to receive continuing medical education on ME/CFS.
The current research addressed this need for further education and investigated the gain of knowledge from a webinar for German-speaking health professionals. In two studies (total sample: N = 378), participants in the intervention condition completed a knowledge test twice (before and after webinar participation). Study 2 also included a waiting-list control condition with repeated response to the knowledge test without webinar participation between measurements.
Results showed that at baseline, most participants had seen patients with ME/CFS, but confidence in diagnosing and treating ME/CFS was only moderate-to-low. In the intervention condition, but not in the control condition, knowledge about ME/CFS increased between the first and the second knowledge test. These results indicate that the webinar was successful in increasing health professionals’ knowledge about ME/CFS. We concluded that webinars can be a cost-efficient and effective tool in providing health professionals with large-scale continuing medical education about ME/CFS.
Source: Froehlich L, Niedrich J, Hattesohl DBR, Behrends U, Kedor C, Haas J-P, Stingl M, Scheibenbogen C. Evaluation of a Webinar to Increase Health Professionals’ Knowledge about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Healthcare. 2023; 11(15):2186. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11152186 https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/15/2186 (Full text)

Patient and clinician experiences of fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and medically unexplained symptoms: A meta-aggregative systematic review

Abstract:

Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and other syndromes with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) pose significant healthcare challenges. We aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of persons with these conditions (PwC) and their healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods & Measures: Databases were searched using terms relating to FM/ME/CFS/MUS, Experience and Qualitative research. Studies published between 2001-2021 concerning adult PwC or HCP perspectives were included and synthesized using Meta-Aggregation, with confidence established following the ConQual approach.

Results: 143 studies were included, with 708 findings aggregated into 82 categories and 13 synthesized findings. PwC narratives reflected a range of themes concerning: The experience of symptoms; The patient journey; Identity loss and change; Managing chronic illness; Understanding and legitimacy; Support needs and experiences; Healthcare needs and experiences; and Managing the healthcare encounters. HCPs perspective themes included: Beliefs and attitudes towards patients; Sensemaking at the limits of medical knowledge; Consultation and management; The patient-clinician relationship; and Barriers and facilitators to care.

Conclusion: Sensemaking challenges are at the core of the patient and clinician experience of MUS, FM and ME/CFS. While gaps in biomedical knowledge are clear, this review highlights the need to address the patient-clinician dynamic in the context of uncertainty.

Source: Duda N, Maguire R, Gitonga I, Corrigan S. Patient and clinician experiences of fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and medically unexplained symptoms: A meta-aggregative systematic review. PsyArXiv [Preprint], 28 Apr 2023  https://psyarxiv.com/5ct4k/ (Full text)

Investigating undergraduate medical education on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: ME/CFS is a poorly understood, highly stigmatised condition which significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. ME/CFS had been identified as a gap in many health professionals’ knowledge, therefore this research aims to explore the understanding of ME/CFS amongst UK medical students.

Methods: An online survey developed using Redcap was distributed to participants who were recruited via social media or via medical societies’ emails. The participants were undergraduate UK medical students.

Results: 94 students completed the survey from more than 16 medical schools. 35% of the students did not know what ME/CFS is and 88% say that the disease has not been covered in their course so far. 89% of participants would like to learn more about ME/CFS, specifically through elearning and videos.

Discussion: Participants were generally unaware of ME/CFS and its symptoms and had not received relevant teaching or exposure to the disease. Education on ME/CFS within undergraduate UK medical schools is currently inadequate and the interest expressed by students in this survey demonstrates a new teaching opportunity for UK medical schools.

Source: Victoria Alice Reid and Nina Muirhead.Investigating undergraduate medical education on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The British Student Doctor Journal (BSDJ), Cardiff University Press, Year: 2022, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, Page/Article: 35-40. https://thebsdj.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/308 (Full text available as PDF file)