Tag: NICE guidelines

Science In The Age of Dogma: A Conversation with Dr. William Weir

by Bronc

Dr. William Weir is a retired infectious disease consultant who worked at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He has long been involved in treating myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients and has been a consistent critic of the psychological approach to treating ME/CFS.

From 1998 to 2002 Dr. Weir assisted the U.K. government’s CFS/ME Working Group, which produced a comprehensive advisory report for the U.K. Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson.

Along with Dr. Nigel Speight, Dr. Weir recently authored a paper entitled “ME/CFS: Past, Present and Future,” in which the authors reflect upon the history and controversy surrounding ME/CFS:

“Throughout history, a pattern tends to repeat itself when natural phenomena require explanation. Dogma usually arrives first, then it is eventually replaced by scientific understanding. The same pattern is unfolding in relation to ME/CFS, but supporters of the psychological dogma surrounding its causation remain stubbornly resistant, even in the face of compelling scientific evidence to the contrary.”​
—Dr. William Weir and Dr. Nigel Speight​

Over the last two years Dr. Weir has served on the U.K. government’s ME/CFS Guideline Development Group, tasked with developing official treatment guidelines for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These clinical guidelines are especially important as they provide a framework of recommendations for health and social care services throughout the U.K.

Read the rest of this interview HERE.

Source: Phoenix Rising, Sept 12, 2021

UK health standards body delays new ME guidance in therapy row

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has withdrawn long-awaited landmark guidance on ME hours before its planned publication amid a backlash from medical groups.

Charities and patient groups fighting for greater recognition of the poorly understood condition as a medical illness rather than a psychological problem had welcomed the planned guidance, which was due to stop advising doctors to administer a controversial therapy.

This disputed therapy, called graded exercise therapy (GET), involves incremental increases in physical activity to gradually build up tolerance. Patient groups have argued its use suggests those with ME have no underlying physical problem but are having symptoms due to inactivity.

Read the rest of this article HERE.

Charities, patients, and researchers are working together to find the cause and effective treatments for ME/CFS

People with ME/CFS feel let down by the medical establishment because almost all biomedical research until recently has been funded by the charity sector. Almost all government funding has gone into research based on a flawed psychosocial model of causation involving abnormal beliefs and behaviours and deconditioning. This research resulted in the current NICE guideline recommendations, published in 2007, for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET).3

Having reviewed clinical trial and patient evidence for these interventions,4 NICE now states in the introduction to the draft of its updated guideline on ME/CFS5 that “because of the harms reported by people with ME/CFS, as well as the committee’s own experience of the effects when people exceed their energy limits, the draft guideline says that any programme based on fixed incremental increases in physical activity or exercise, for example graded exercise therapy (GET), should not be offered for the treatment of ME/CFS.” It also emphasises that CBT is not a treatment or cure for ME/CFS.

Read the full article HERE.

Source: Shepherd C B. Charities, patients, and researchers are working together to find the cause and effective treatments for ME/CFS BMJ 2021; 374 :n1854 doi:10.1136/bmj.n1854 https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1854.full

Exclusive: Four members of NICE’s guideline committee on ME/CFS stand down

Four members of the NICE guideline development committee for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) left the group just weeks before the final guideline was due to be published, The BMJ has learnt.

The departures suggest divisions within the committee over the guideline’s final content, which is an update on 2007 guidance on diagnosing and managing ME/CFS. Three have resigned, and one has been removed by NICE.

The draft guidance, published in November 2020,1 included significant changes to the 2007 recommendations2 and raised questions about how the evidence could have shifted so substantially.

In 2007 NICE recommended interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy for people with mild or moderate ME/CFS, whereas the draft update cites a “lack of evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions.” …

Source: BMJ 2021;374:n1937

The draft updated NICE guidance for ME/CFS highlights the unreliability of subjective outcome measures in non-blinded trials

Abstract:

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently published its draft updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). NICE concluded that ME/CFS is a complex multisystem chronic medical condition for which graded exercise therapy should not be used and cognitive behavioural therapy is only a supportive therapy and not a treatment or cure. The draft guidance also highlighted the unreliability of subjective outcome measures in non-blinded trials. High quality randomised controlled ME/CFS trials are now needed to find pharmacological treatments that lead to substantial objective improvement and restore the ability to work.

Source: Vink M, Vink-Niese A. The draft updated NICE guidance for ME/CFS highlights the unreliability of subjective outcome measures in non-blinded trials. J Health Psychol. 2021 Jan 28:1359105321990810. doi: 10.1177/1359105321990810. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33506707. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33506707/

What is the current NHS service provision for patients severely affected by chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis? A national scoping exercise

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), in its most severe clinical presentation, can result in patients becoming housebound and bedbound so unable to access most available specialist services. This presents particular clinical risks and treatment needs for which the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises specialist medical care and monitoring. The extent of National Health Service (NHS) specialist provision in England for severe CFS/ME is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the current NHS provision for patients with severe CFS/ME in England.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All 49 English NHS specialist CFS/ME adult services in England, in 2013.

METHOD: Cross-sectional survey by email questionnaire.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Adherence to NICE guidelines for severe CFS/ME.

RESULTS: All 49 services replied (100%). 33% (16/49) of specialist CFS/ME services provided no service for housebound patients. 55% (27/49) services did treat patients with severe CFS/ME and their interventions followed the NICE guidelines. The remaining services (12%, 6/49) offered occasional or minimal support where funding allowed. There was one NHS unit providing specialist inpatient CFS/ME provision in England.

CONCLUSIONS: Study findings highlight substantial variation in access to specialist care for patients with severe presentation of CFS/ME. Where treatment was provided, this appeared to comply with NICE recommendations for this patient group.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

 

Source: McDermott C, Al Haddabi A, Akagi H, Selby M, Cox D, Lewith G. What is the current NHS service provision for patients severely affected by chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis? A national scoping exercise. BMJ Open. 2014 Jul 1;4(6):e005083. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005083. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4078780/ (Full article)

 

Overcoming the barriers to the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME in primary care: a meta synthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The NICE guideline for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) emphasises the need for an early diagnosis in primary care with management tailored to patient needs. However, GPs can be reluctant to make a diagnosis and are unsure how to manage people with the condition.

METHODS: A meta synthesis of published qualitative studies was conducted, producing a multi-perspective description of barriers to the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME, and the ways that some health professionals have been able to overcome them. Analysis provided second-order interpretation of the original findings and developed third-order constructs to provide recommendations for the medical curriculum.

RESULTS: Twenty one qualitative studies were identified. The literature shows that for over 20 years health professionals have reported a limited understanding of CFS/ME. Working within the framework of the biomedical model has also led some GPs to be sceptical about the existence of the condition. GPs who provide a diagnosis tend to have a broader, multifactorial, model of the condition and more positive attitudes towards CFS/ME. These GPs collaborate with patients to reach agreement on symptom management, and use their therapeutic skills to promote self care.

CONCLUSIONS: In order to address barriers to the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in primary care, the limitations of the biomedical model needs to be recognised. A more flexible bio-psychosocial approach is recommended where medical school training aims to equip practitioners with the skills needed to understand, support and manage patients and provide a pathway to refer for specialist input.

 

Source: Bayliss K, Goodall M, Chisholm A, Fordham B, Chew-Graham C, Riste L, Fisher L, Lovell K, Peters S, Wearden A. Overcoming the barriers to the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME in primary care: a meta synthesis of qualitative studies. BMC Fam Pract. 2014 Mar 7;15:44. doi: 10.1186/1471-2296-15-44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3973969/ (Full article)

 

Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: NICE guidelines emphasise the need for a confident, early diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in Primary Care with management tailored to the needs of the patient. Research suggests that GPs are reluctant to make the diagnosis and resources for management are currently inadequate. This study aimed to develop resources for practitioners and patients to support the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in primary care.

METHODS: Semi structured interviews were conducted with patients, carers, GPs, practice nurses and CFS/ME specialists in North West England. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed qualitatively using open explorative thematic coding. Two patient involvement groups were consulted at each stage of the development of resources to ensure that the resources reflect everyday issues faced by people living with CFS/ME.

RESULTS: Patients and carers stressed the importance of recognising CFS/ME as a legitimate condition, and the need to be believed by health care professionals. GPs and practice nurses stated that they do not always have the knowledge or skills to diagnose and manage the condition. They expressed a preference for an online training package. For patients, information on getting the most out of a consultation and the role of carers was thought to be important. Patients did not want to be overloaded with information at diagnosis, and suggested information should be given in steps. A DVD was suggested, to enable information sharing with carers and family, and also for those whose symptoms act as a barrier to reading.

CONCLUSION: Rather than use a top-down approach to the development of training for health care practitioners and information for patients and carers, we have used data from key stakeholders to develop a patient DVD, patient leaflets to guide symptom management and a modular e-learning resource which should equip GPs to diagnose and manage CFS/ME effectively, meet NICE guidelines and give patients acceptable, evidence-based information.

 

Source: Hannon K, Peters S, Fisher L, Riste L, Wearden A, Lovell K, Turner P, Leech Y, Chew-Graham C. Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract. 2012 Sep 21;13:93. doi: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573921/ (Full article)

 

Unidentified Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a major cause of school absence: surveillance outcomes from school-based clinics

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the feasibility of conducting clinics for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in schools.

Design School-based clinical project. Participants Children aged 11-16 years were enrolled in three state secondary schools in England.

Main outcome measures Number of children newly diagnosed as having CFS/ME.

Methods Attendance officers identified children missing ≥20% of school in a 6-week term without a known cause, excluding those with a single episode off school, a known medical illness explaining the absence or known to be truanting. Children with fatigue were referred to a specialist CFS/ME service for further assessment. The authors compared children with CFS/ME identified through school-based clinics with those referred via health services. Outcomes of CFS/ME were evaluated at 6 weeks and 6 months.

Results 461 of the 2855 enrolled children had missed ≥20% school over a 6-week period. In 315, of whom three had CFS/ME, the reason for absence was known. 112 of the 146 children with unexplained absence attended clinical review at school; two had been previously diagnosed as having CFS/ME and 42 were referred on to a specialist clinic, where 23 were newly diagnosed as having CFS/ME. Therefore, 28 of the 2855 (1.0%) children had CFS/ME. Children with CFS/ME identified through surveillance had been ill for an amount of time comparable to those referred via health services but had less fatigue (mean difference 4.4, 95% CI 2.2 to 6.6), less disability (mean difference -5.7, 95% CI -7.9 to -3.5) and fewer symptoms (mean difference 1.86, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.93). Of 19 children followed up, six had fully recovered at 6 weeks and a further six at 6 months.

Conclusions Chronic fatigue is an important cause of unexplained absence from school. Children diagnosed through school-based clinics are less severely affected than those referred to specialist services and appear to make rapid progress when they access treatment.

 

Source: Crawley EM, Emond AM, Sterne JA. Unidentified Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a major cause of school absence: surveillance outcomes from school-based clinics. BMJ Open. 2011 Dec 12;1(2):e000252. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000252. Print 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3244656/ (Full article)

 

NICE behaviour: ME guideline is unworkable

Comment on: Diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): summary of NICE guidance. [BMJ. 2007]

 

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that everyone with mild or moderate myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) should be offered a course of either cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or graded exercise therapy (GET).1

This is despite published evidence remaining weak (especially for group CBT) and inconsistent 2. Patient evidence submitted to the chief medical officer’s report concluded that CBT produced “no change” in 67% of cases and made the condition “worse” in 26% of cases.3 Around 50% of respondents reported that inappropriate exercise therapy had also made their condition “worse.”3

When the NICE estimate on prevalence is used this controversial recommendation will affect some 200 000 people. A one to one course of CBT covering 12 to 16 sessions will cost well over £1500. The cost of a professionally supervised exercise therapy programme is also likely to be substantial.

So where is around £300 million of new money going to come from at a time when very limited funding for some of the newly established NHS clinical services for people with ME/CFS is now being cut?4 And where are all the therapists going to come from? Those already in post often cannot even cope with their current workload.

These are important questions that I raised at a NICE implementation and planning meeting in October 2006—but nobody from NICE could provide a convincing answer. These recommendations are going to be of no value whatsoever to many people with ME/CFS. They are also going to be impossible to implement owing to a lack of both funding and human resources.

You can read the rest of this comment here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976494/

 

Source: Shepherd CB. NICE behaviour: ME guideline is unworkable. BMJ. 2007 Sep 15;335(7619):528. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976494/ (Full article)