Remote Consulting for People with CFS/ME and FM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The experiences of remote consulting for people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia in primary care
IRAS ID
311497
Contact name
Helen Sarah Leach
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Warwick
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia are chronic conditions that have a range of symptoms but are often associated with pain and fatigue. People living with these conditions report difficulties with healthcare professionals, often because there are no clear causes or cures for CFS/ME or fibromyalgia. The advice given to healthcare professionals has been to develop relationships with these patients, where they and the patient work together, to support recovery and function. These relationships are based on communicating well and focusing care on the needs of the individual patient, known as personalised care. These recommendations are found in guidance for chronic pain and CFS/ME, and are supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the national body that supports GPs.
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in most consultations with GPs and other healthcare professionals working in general practice being held remotely, often by telephone or an online platform with questionnaires amongst others. For many patients, remote consulting is effective and acceptable but there is concern that it is not appropriate for certain patient groups and that it may be more difficult to provide personalised care. Suggested explanations for this include difficulties with technology or a difference in how doctors and patients interact with each other when they are not face-to-face.
This study will look at how people living with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia experience remote consulting, something that has not been done in great detail before. Considering that remote consulting will likely remain a large part of general practice, and that the relationships between doctors and people living with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia are important for support, it is crucial that we understand what the experience of remote consulting is for these patients. We will develop recommendations for clinicians and patients based on our findings to assist them when consulting remotely.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0130
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion