THE NEWSPAPER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
MAY 2013
New e-learning course on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be
as disabling as multiple sclerosis, lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic
conditions. Also known as myalgic
encephalomyelitis (ME) this is a persistent
or recurrent debilitating fatigue.
Clinical uncertainty means that patients
can have symptoms for many years, often
leading to a delayed diagnosis. Many patients
remain undiagnosed, making an accurate
diagnosis essential.
This course aims to demystify CFS/ME by
highlighting common misconceptions and
challenges that GPs may encounter when
assessing adults. It presents clinical scenarios
and short films, as well as a range of resources
and information to improve knowledge and
skills for diagnosing, assessing and managing
adults with CFS/ME.
The course was piloted with a group of GPs
in northwest England and produced as part
of the METRIC study, with funding from the
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Participants from this study reported having
a better understanding of CFS/ME and the
challenges that surround this complex condition
for patients, carers and primary care professionals
after completing this course.
This e-learning course can be accessed at:
www.elearning.rcgp.org.uk/cfsme.
