http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2017.1383518?scroll=top&needAccess=true
Defining and measuring recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome: the physician perspective
Andrew R. Devendorf,Carly T. Jackson,Madison Sunnquist &Leonard A. Jason
Pages 1-8 | Received 06 May 2017, Accepted 19 Sep 2017, Published online: 05 Oct 2017
Abstract
Purpose: To inform an operationalised definition of recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) for research and practice. Without a consensus on defining and measuring recovery, there will continue to be controversy amongst researchers, clinicians, and patients when interpreting treatment outcomes.
Method: This study explores physicians’ views on recovery from ME and CFS. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 physician participants who are experts in the ME and CFS field. Our deductive thematic analysis, using a realist perspective, provided a framework for differentiating recovery and significant improvement.
Results: Physicians conceptualised recovery as complete symptom remission and a return to premorbid functioning (adjusted for with age), whereas they viewed significant improvement as a substantial reduction in symptoms with considerable functional gains, where patients may operate in daily life but still must cope or be treated.
Conclusions: Our findings provide recommendations and approaches for measuring: daily functioning, symptomatology, quality of life, and physical functioning.
Chronic illness, assessment, prognosis, physical functioning, psychosocial functioning, qualitative![]()
Additional information
Funding
This study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [grant number HD072208].