Assessment of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome): A Case Study for Health Care Providers

INTRODUCTION: Over a million adults in the U.S. are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). A debilitating illness, ME/CFS is accompanied by profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest and affects daily activities. Symptoms include postexertional malaise, cognitive problems, unrefreshing sleep, and pain. This course provides tools to teach medical, physician assistant, and nursing students to recognize, diagnose, and manage patients with ME/CFS. METHODS: The student is expected to view the provider-to-provider video and the PowerPoint slide curriculum, which describe the steps for evaluation. The video depicts two physicians conferring about ME/CFS and addresses the challenges of making a diagnosis. The slide curriculum shows the different ME/CFS symptoms and case definitions and how to apply them using a case study. Medical, physician assistant, and nursing students were recruited to evaluate the course and viewed it either online or in a campus education center. RESULTS: Results showed that students met learning objectives and showed increases from pre- to posttest evaluation in their understanding of the difficulties of diagnosing ME/CFS and managing the illness. In addition to knowledge, student attitudes towards ME/CFS changed, with more empathy towards patients and the awareness that ME/CFS requires frequent communication and reevaluation of patients’ symptoms. DISCUSSION: Strategies of how to manage ME/CFS for the patient and manage time constraints during visits with ME/CFS patients are discussed.