General practitioners' perceptions of chronic fatigue syndrome and beliefs about its management, compared with irritable bowel syndrome: qualitative study
It was very disappointing to see the comparison of GP’s attitudes
between patients with CFS/ME and IBS. Particularly disappointing was that
the study was conducted in the months after the Chief Medical Officer
recognised – with considerable attendant publicity - the severity and
impact of CFS/ME on the lives of those affected.
One outcome of the study was that pressure groups were perceived as
influencing clinical encounters, making it harder to legitimise the
symptoms. It was interesting in itself to see patient organisations
labelled by the authors as “pressure groups”.
In fact the organisations cover a spectrum of views on the illness
and the solutions needed. In our own case we carry out an information
role for patients and professionals and provide a range of services no
different from that of any other medium sized charity. (see www.afme.org.uk ) We campaign vigorously of course for recognition of
CFS/ME and for funding to remedy years of neglect in this field.
We are not “anti doctor” and our members mostly view their GP’s as
supportive and understanding, but faced with a complex illness, lacking a
toolkit to help. Despite this a commonly expressed view of a good doctor
can be identified, through the typical statement reported back by our
members with slight variations:
“I think you’ve got CFS/ME. I know there is no cure, and to be
honest I’m not sure what will help you most, but let’s both try and find
out and see if we can work this through together.”
Far from patient organisations wishing to politicise the consulting
room, we simply ask for a little more understanding, mixed with a little
humility and matched with an eagerness to obtain training and information
about diagnosis and treatment.
We do not seek a special status, just that people who are ill with
CFS/ME should be treated with the standard of care and professionalism
that the severity and impact of their illness merits. Is this politics?
Chris Clark
Chief Executive,
Action for M.E.
Competing interests:
Chief Executive
Action for M.E.
Rapid Response:
"Pressure Groups" politicising the field?
It was very disappointing to see the comparison of GP’s attitudes
between patients with CFS/ME and IBS. Particularly disappointing was that
the study was conducted in the months after the Chief Medical Officer
recognised – with considerable attendant publicity - the severity and
impact of CFS/ME on the lives of those affected.
One outcome of the study was that pressure groups were perceived as
influencing clinical encounters, making it harder to legitimise the
symptoms. It was interesting in itself to see patient organisations
labelled by the authors as “pressure groups”.
In fact the organisations cover a spectrum of views on the illness
and the solutions needed. In our own case we carry out an information
role for patients and professionals and provide a range of services no
different from that of any other medium sized charity. (see
www.afme.org.uk ) We campaign vigorously of course for recognition of
CFS/ME and for funding to remedy years of neglect in this field.
We are not “anti doctor” and our members mostly view their GP’s as
supportive and understanding, but faced with a complex illness, lacking a
toolkit to help. Despite this a commonly expressed view of a good doctor
can be identified, through the typical statement reported back by our
members with slight variations:
“I think you’ve got CFS/ME. I know there is no cure, and to be
honest I’m not sure what will help you most, but let’s both try and find
out and see if we can work this through together.”
Far from patient organisations wishing to politicise the consulting
room, we simply ask for a little more understanding, mixed with a little
humility and matched with an eagerness to obtain training and information
about diagnosis and treatment.
We do not seek a special status, just that people who are ill with
CFS/ME should be treated with the standard of care and professionalism
that the severity and impact of their illness merits. Is this politics?
Chris Clark
Chief Executive,
Action for M.E.
Competing interests:
Chief Executive
Action for M.E.
Competing interests: No competing interests