Feasibility study for a community based intervention for adults with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/ME

McDermott, Clare, Lewith, George, Richards, Selwyn, Cox, Diane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2691-6423 , Frossell, Sarah, Leydon, Geraldine, Eyles, Caroline, Raphael, Hilly, Rogers, Rachael, Selby, Michelle, Adler, Charlotte and Allam, Jo (2017) Feasibility study for a community based intervention for adults with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/ME. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 17 (Supl.1). p. 317.

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License CC BY-NC Download (114kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME (CFS/ME) is characterised by debilitating fatigue with many bedbound patients. The study aims were: to determine whether a new intervention could be successfully delivered; to collect quantitative outcome data to guide the design of future studies; to explore qualitatively the experience of patients, carers and clinicians.

Methods: Mixed-methods feasibility study with qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Participants: 12 UK patients who were housebound with severe CFS/ME. Intervention: Based on recovery skills identified through a 2.5 year Patient and Public Involvement development process involving individuals with first-hand experience of recovery from CFS/ME, as well as current patients and clinicians. The resulting one year intervention, delivered by a multi-disciplinary team, included domiciliary therapy visits and optional peer support group. Quantitative outcome measures: Patient-reported and therapist-reported outcome measures (including fatigue, physical function, anxiety, depression and other variables) and electronic activity measurement.

Results: The study recruited and engaged twelve participants with no serious adverse events or dropouts. At end of intervention, 5/12 participants had improved in fatigue, physical function. Group mean scores improved overall for fatigue (Chalder fatigue scale), physical function (activity and physical function scale) and anxiety. Qualitative interviews suggested that the intervention was acceptable to patients, whilst also highlighting suggestions for improvement. Participants will be followed up for a further year to find out if improvements are sustained.

Conclusion: This is the largest study ever conducted in severe CFS/ME and shows significant recovery suggesting further studies are indicated. Treatment is uniquely based on a patient inspired intervention.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Publisher:	BioMed Central
ISSN:	1472-6882
Departments:	Professional Services > Research Office & Graduate School (ROGS)
Additional Information:	Meeting abstract P119 from World Congress Integrative Medicine & Health 2017, Berlin, Germany, 3-5 May 2017.
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
SWORD Depositor:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	24 Jul 2017 12:10
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 17:46
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3074

Downloads