charles shepherd
Senior Member
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MEA website survey on the time taken to obtain a diagnosis of ME/CFS from a doctor:
Why are we asking this question?
We want as many people in the UK as possible to respond to this MEA website survey on the time it takes from the onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis of ME/CFS confirmed by a doctor
Previous patient surveys have shown that many people face completely unacceptable delays in getting ME/CFS diagnosed which, in some cases, extend into years - often as a result of lack of knowledge by doctors on how and when to make a diagnosis
Failure to make a diagnosis of ME/CFS can result in bad management, no management, a failure to obtain benefits or modifications to education or work routines, and an increased risk of the condition becoming more severe and prolonged
This information will form a key item of patient evidence in our campaign to make both doctors and the general public aware of the need to make an early and accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS
The MEA campaign - which will involve information being made available to both health professionals and GPs - will be launched in May as part of ME Awareness Week
It is being funded by money raised in the Big Give Appeal at the end of last year
Vote via the home page on the MEA website:
www.meassociation.org.uk
Website question with votes so far (2 hours):
Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, MEA
Why are we asking this question?
We want as many people in the UK as possible to respond to this MEA website survey on the time it takes from the onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis of ME/CFS confirmed by a doctor
Previous patient surveys have shown that many people face completely unacceptable delays in getting ME/CFS diagnosed which, in some cases, extend into years - often as a result of lack of knowledge by doctors on how and when to make a diagnosis
Failure to make a diagnosis of ME/CFS can result in bad management, no management, a failure to obtain benefits or modifications to education or work routines, and an increased risk of the condition becoming more severe and prolonged
This information will form a key item of patient evidence in our campaign to make both doctors and the general public aware of the need to make an early and accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS
The MEA campaign - which will involve information being made available to both health professionals and GPs - will be launched in May as part of ME Awareness Week
It is being funded by money raised in the Big Give Appeal at the end of last year
Vote via the home page on the MEA website:
www.meassociation.org.uk
Website question with votes so far (2 hours):
About how long did it take from the onset of your ME/CFS symptoms to a doctor confirming a diagnosis of ME/CFS?
- Less than 3 months (7%, 5 Votes)
- 4 to 6 months (14%, 10 Votes)
- 7 to 12 months (10%, 7 Votes)
- 13 to 24 months (20%, 14 Votes)
- 3 to 5 years (25%, 17 Votes)
- 6 to 10 years (16%, 11 Votes)
- Not certain (3%, 2 Votes)
- Never been confirmed by a doctor (4%, 3 Votes)
Total Voters: 69
- Less than 3 months (7%, 5 Votes)
Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, MEA