Updated training in ME/CFS for health professionals.

I have 2 previously healthy, high achieving, young adult children whom I care for fulltime now. One came through the mentsl health system without anyone considering ME/CFS as the cause of his inability to think clearly and function at his previous physical capability.  How can this happen?  Our mental health team need to learn about ME/CFS and that prescribing exercise and pushing through is unhelpful and even harmful once the energy reserves have been diminished. 

Educating GPs on the IOM 2015 guidelines for diagnosing ME/CFS is important. Helping people to receive a diagnois within their first year of this very disabling illness should be a goal.

Why the contribution is important

Lack of education amongst health professionals around ME/CFS is traumatising the people with the illness. 

by GlenysR on March 31, 2023 at 04:29PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 17 votes

Comments

  • Posted by whia April 01, 2023 at 16:57

    I agree with GlenysR that GPs and, really, all health professionals, need to be appropriately educated about ME/CFS and related multi-system illnesses. Many people with ME/CFS in NZ experience unnecessary trauma, including harmful treatments and/or neglect through medical profession ignorance. As someone living with ME I have experienced this first hand.

  • Posted by FYRBAL April 01, 2023 at 20:01

    I support any idea that calls for an increase in training, awareness and resources for those with Long Covid and ME/CFS.

  • Posted by parekawa777 April 01, 2023 at 20:05

    I have witnessed the immense amount of pressure and grief this has left parents of ME/CFS patients with, first hand. I undoubtedly agree with GlenysR about the mistreated of these patients within our health systems and the importance of all GP's and health professionals to receive updated training.

  • Posted by vision4ME April 11, 2023 at 09:56

    I support this call for GPs to receive updated education on ME/CFS. Basing it on the IOM/NAM recommendations, as proposed by GlenysR, is a good place to start. More recent guidance by the CDC and NICE make similar recommendations. In addition this education should be extended to all health professionals who may come into contact with people with ME, including to mental health professionals.

    Diagnosis is indeed a big issue. Overseas research from the UK, US, Norway and Australia - we don't have NZ data - suggests false positive diagnoses in the region of 50% with the situation for false negative diagnoses even worse. There's little reason to suspect the situation in NZ to be any better yet correct diagnosis is essential for matching the right treatment to the right patient.

    Currently medical education about ME/CFS is a mixed bag. Some is very good but some continues to propagate the outdated ideas which have already harmed many patients, as described by GlenysR, and this must stop.

    My 'idea' titled "National postinfectious illness telehealth 4 ME/CFS, Long Covid & related illnesses" outlines how improving medical care and medical education could be tackled in tandem.
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