Ensuring a patient-centred approach to care for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

This is the second module in a two-part series on ME/CFS. It is recommended that you complete Busting the myths and redefining myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) before commencing this module.

 

Providing care for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) requires a patient-centred approach with a focus on quality of life and incorporating the multidisciplinary team. This second module on ME/CFS provides detail on making a differential diagnosis, the non-core symptoms of ME/CFS, management in specific populations, and the development of a patient-centred treatment plan.

On completion of this education activity participants will be able to:

• Evaluate and reconsider management of ME/CFS, based on the latest developments in our understanding of ME/CFS pathophysiology.
• Identify exclusionary conditions, mimics and false diagnoses, to aid in the accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS.
• Plan strategies for managing non-core symptoms of ME/CFS including gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological symptoms, and for managing specific populations with ME/CFS (i.e. the severely unwell, young patients and those undergoing surgery).
• Formulate a patient-centred treatment plan that accommodates the patient with ME/CFS in general practice.
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary team approach, as appropriate, to optimise outcomes in patients with ME/CFS.

This activity is sponsored by Emerge Australia.