Exploring the potential role of the Nurse Practitioner within a care path for patients with CFS

[hixxy]

J Adv Nurs. 2016 Dec 21. doi: 10.1111/jan.13244. [Epub ahead of print]

Exploring the potential role of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner within a care path for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ryckeghem H, Delesie L, Tobback E, Lievens S, Vogelaers D, Mariman A.

Abstract

AIMS:
To explore the experiences and expectations of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and general practitioners in order to develop the potential role of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at the diagnostic care path of abnormal fatigue developed for regional transmural implementation in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders.

BACKGROUND:
Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome experience an incapacitating chronic fatigue that is present for at least six months. Since many uncertainties exist about the causes and progression of the disease, patients have to cope with disbelief and scepticism. Access to health care may be hampered, which could lead to inappropriate treatments and guidance. Design Qualitative design.

METHODS:
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and general practitioners in Belgium. Data were collected over 9 months in 2014-2015. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis using open explorative thematic coding.

RESULTS:
Fifteen patients and fifteen general practitioners were interviewed. Three themes were identified: mixed feelings with the diagnosis, lack of one central intermediator and insufficient coordination. Participants stressed the need for education, knowledge and an intermediator to provide relevant information at the right time and to build up a trust relationship.

CONCLUSION:
This qualitative exploration underscores some clear deficiencies in the guidance of patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and abnormal fatigue. An Advanced Nurse Practitioner as a central intermediator in the transmural care of these patients could promote interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, provide education and ensure a structured and coordinated approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:
Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Chronic Fatigue; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Myalgic Encephalomyelitis; Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Specialist; nurse

PMID: 28000331
DOI: 10.1111/jan.13244

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28000331
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.13244/abstract

 

[alkt]

seems that england is not the only country looking for a cheaper way to deal with complex chronic illnesses . as long as these nurses aren't brainwashed by the psych brigade it might actually be helpful.

 

[Solstice]

seems that england is not the only country looking for a cheaper way to deal with complex chronic illnesses . as long as these nurses aren't brainwashed by the psych brigade it might actually be helpful.

Belgium, NL, UK. Some very notable exceptions excluded it's all not that good. Government policy concerning our disease is pretty much the same in each of those countries from what I gather.

 

[dyfalbarhau]

Belgium, NL, UK. Some very notable exceptions excluded it's all not that good. Government policy concerning our disease is pretty much the same in each of those countries from what I gather.

While there is some merit in providing the best possible treatment for the lowest possible cost, the merit only exists if the treatment provided is at all effective and not actively harmful.

 

[temple88]

I will graduate NP school in August. I appreciate you posting this!!