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Anderson T, Duffy G, Corry D. Virtual reality education on myalgic encephalomyelitis for medical students and healthcare professionals: a pilot study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:1018. [PMID: 39289650 PMCID: PMC11409778 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition which may be characterised by debilitating fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties. ME/CFS has significant negative impact on quality of life for those living with the condition. This may be exacerbated by a lack of knowledge within healthcare regarding the condition. Previous research has found that immersive virtual reality (VR) educational experiences within healthcare education can increase knowledge and empathy. METHODS The present study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design to investigate the impact of a short immersive VR educational experience on knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy for those living with the condition. The VR experience placed participants into a virtual scene which told real life stories of the experience of people living with ME/CFS and their families. 43 participants completed in this pilot study: 28 medical students and 15 primary care health professionals. Participants completed measures of knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy before and after engagement with the experience. RESULTS A statistically significant increase was found for levels of knowledge (p < .001, d = 0.74) and empathy (p < .001, d = 1.56) from pre-VR experience levels to post-VR experience levels with a medium and large effect size, respectively. Further analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between baseline levels of knowledge of ME/CFS between healthcare professionals and medical students. DISCUSSION The present study is the first to explore the use of this short immersive VR experience as an education tool within healthcare to increase knowledge of ME/CFS, and empathy for those living with the condition. Findings allude to the previously established lack of knowledge of ME/CFS within healthcare although promisingly the increases in knowledge and empathy found suggest that this immersive VR experience has potential to address this. Such changes found in this small-scale pilot study suggest that future research into the use of VR as an educational tool within this setting may be beneficial. Use of a control group, and larger sample size as well as investigation of retention of these changes may also enhance future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Anderson
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Grace Duffy
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Dagmar Corry
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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2
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Froehlich L, Niedrich J, Hattesohl DBR, Behrends U, Kedor C, Haas JP, Stingl M, Scheibenbogen C. Evaluation of a Webinar to Increase Health Professionals' Knowledge about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2186. [PMID: 37570426 PMCID: PMC10418697 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe chronic illness and patients with ME/CFS are often medically underserved in Germany and other countries. One contributing factor is health professionals' lack of knowledge about epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of ME/CFS. Opportunities are scarce for health professionals to receive continuing medical education on ME/CFS. The current research addressed this need for further education and investigated the gain of knowledge from a webinar for German-speaking health professionals. In two studies (total sample: N = 378), participants in the intervention condition completed a knowledge test twice (before and after webinar participation). Study 2 also included a waiting-list control condition with repeated response to the knowledge test without webinar participation between measurements. Results showed that at baseline, most participants had seen patients with ME/CFS, but confidence in diagnosing and treating ME/CFS was only moderate-to-low. In the intervention condition, but not in the control condition, knowledge about ME/CFS increased between the first and the second knowledge test. These results indicate that the webinar was successful in increasing health professionals' knowledge about ME/CFS. We concluded that webinars can be a cost-efficient and effective tool in providing health professionals with large-scale continuing medical education about ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Froehlich
- CATALPA Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics, FernUniversität in Hagen, 58097 Hagen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Niedrich
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen, 58097 Hagen, Germany;
| | | | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, Technical University of Munich, 80333 München, Germany;
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Johannes-Peter Haas
- Center for Treatment of Pain in Young People, German Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, 82467 Garmisch-Patenkirchen, Germany;
| | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
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Kuo CF, Shi L, Lin CL, Yao WC, Chen HT, Lio CF, Wang YTT, Su CH, Hsu NW, Tsai SY. How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7520. [PMID: 33824394 PMCID: PMC8024330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been defined as unexplained relapsing or persistent fatigue for at least 6 consecutive months. Immuno-inflammatory pathway, bacterial infection, and other causes play essential roles in CFS. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of foregut inflammation, leading to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk of CFS development between patients with and without PUD. Other related factors were also analyzed. We performed a retrospective, nationwide cohort study identifying patients with or without PUD respectively by analyzing the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), Taiwan. The overall incidence of CFS was higher in the PUD cohort than in the non- PUD cohort (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.75-2.30), with the same adjusted HR (aHR) when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The sex-specific PUD cohort to the non-PUD cohort relative risk of CFS was significant in both genders. The age-specific incidence of CFS showed incidence density increasing with age in both cohorts. There is an increased risk of developing CFS following PUD, especially in females and the aging population. Hopefully, these findings can prevent common infections from progressing to debilitating, chronic conditions such as CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Feng Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Tao-Yuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ting Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Fu Lio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Tina Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Huang Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wei Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yi Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Mirin AA, Dimmock ME, Jason LA. Research update: The relation between ME/CFS disease burden and research funding in the USA. Work 2021; 66:277-282. [PMID: 32568148 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating, chronic, multisystem disease that affects an estimated 1 to 2.5 million Americans. It has no widely accepted biomarkers and no FDA-approved treatment. ME/CFS has traditionally been one of the lowest funded diseases by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH). OBJECTIVES We provide here an update to our 2016 article, which estimated the disease burden of ME/CFS in the United States in 2013 and its relation to NIH's 2015 analysis of research funding and disease burden. This update incorporates more recent burden data from 2015 and funding data from 2017. METHODS We perform a regression analysis on funding versus disease burden to determine 2017 funding levels that would be commensurate with burden. Burden figures for 2017 are estimated using population-based extrapolations of earlier data. RESULTS We find the disease burden of ME/CFS is double that of HIV/AIDS and over half that of breast cancer. We also find that ME/CFS is more underfunded with respect to burden than any disease in NIH's analysis of funding and disease burden, with ME/CFS receiving roughly 7% of that commensurate with disease burden. CONCLUSIONS To be commensurate with disease burden, NIH funding would need to increase roughly 14-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonard A Jason
- Director, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Brown A, Jason LA. Meta-analysis investigating post-exertional malaise between patients and controls. J Health Psychol 2020; 25:2053-2071. [PMID: 29974812 PMCID: PMC7440642 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318784161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-exertional malaise is either required or included in many previously proposed case definitions of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. A meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs; association between patient status and post-exertional malaise status) and a number of potential moderators (i.e. study-level characteristics) of effect size were conducted. Post-exertional malaise was found to be 10.4 times more likely to be associated with a myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis than with control status. Significant moderators of effect size included patient recruitment strategy and control selection. These findings suggest that post-exertional malaise should be considered a cardinal symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Johnson ML, Cotler J, Terman JM, Jason LA. Risk factors for suicide in chronic fatigue syndrome. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:738-744. [PMID: 32527207 PMCID: PMC9152620 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1776789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) includes symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairments. Several studies suggest these patients have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and early mortality, although few have published in this area. This study explores risk factors for suicide among 64 individuals with ME/CFS using archival data, 17 of which died from suicide. Results indicated an increased risk of suicide for those for those utilizing the label CFS, for those with limited overall functioning, and for those without comorbid illnesses. Findings suggest that stigma and functional impairments limit access to care and social supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline L Johnson
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph Cotler
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julia M Terman
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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McManimen S, McClellan D, Stoothoff J, Gleason K, Jason LA. Dismissing chronic illness: A qualitative analysis of negative health care experiences. Health Care Women Int 2019; 40:241-258. [PMID: 30829147 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1521811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the US, medical training is inadequate regarding the symptomatology, prognosis, and treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). As a result, many physicians lack the appropriate level of knowledge about effective methods for ME and CFS symptom reduction and often suggest inappropriate treatments, such as increased exercise or psychiatric services. The authors' purpose in this study was to analyze negative patient experiences with health care professionals. Patients with ME and CFS who reported experiencing a dismissive physician attitude were asked to detail the encounter via open-ended response on an international, online survey. Participant responses were thematically coded and analyzed using processes outlined by Patton. Emergent themes related to perceived physician attitudes and how they impact patient wellbeing are described and their implications discussed. Additionally, we highlight suggestions for how the health care system can effectively approach this often marginalized patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie McManimen
- a Center for Community Research , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Damani McClellan
- a Center for Community Research , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Jamie Stoothoff
- a Center for Community Research , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Kristen Gleason
- a Center for Community Research , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Leonard A Jason
- a Center for Community Research , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois , USA
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Valdez AR, Hancock EE, Adebayo S, Kiernicki DJ, Proskauer D, Attewell JR, Bateman L, DeMaria A, Lapp CW, Rowe PC, Proskauer C. Estimating Prevalence, Demographics, and Costs of ME/CFS Using Large Scale Medical Claims Data and Machine Learning. Front Pediatr 2019; 6:412. [PMID: 30671425 PMCID: PMC6331450 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Techniques of data mining and machine learning were applied to a large database of medical and facility claims from commercially insured patients to determine the prevalence, gender demographics, and costs for individuals with provider-assigned diagnosis codes for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The frequency of diagnosis was 519-1,038/100,000 with the relative risk of females being diagnosed with ME or CFS compared to males 1.238 and 1.178, respectively. While the percentage of women diagnosed with ME/CFS is higher than the percentage of men, ME/CFS is not a "women's disease." Thirty-five to forty percent of diagnosed patients are men. Extrapolating from this frequency of diagnosis and based on the estimated 2017 population of the United States, a rough estimate for the number of patients who may be diagnosed with ME or CFS in the U.S. is 1.7 million to 3.38 million. Patients diagnosed with CFS appear to represent a more heterogeneous group than those diagnosed with ME. A machine learning model based on characteristics of individuals diagnosed with ME was developed and applied, resulting in a predicted prevalence of 857/100,000 (p > 0.01), or roughly 2.8 million in the U.S. Average annual costs for individuals with a diagnosis of ME or CFS were compared with those for lupus (all categories) and multiple sclerosis (MS), and found to be 50% higher for ME and CFS than for lupus or MS, and three to four times higher than for the general insured population. A separate aspect of the study attempted to determine if a diagnosis of ME or CFS could be predicted based on symptom codes in the insurance claims records. Due to the absence of specific codes for some core symptoms, we were unable to validate that the information in insurance claims records is sufficient to identify diagnosed patients or suggest that a diagnosis of ME or CFS should be considered based solely on looking for presence of those symptoms. These results show that a prevalence rate of 857/100,000 for ME/CFS is not unreasonable; therefore, it is not a rare disease, but in fact a relatively common one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Valdez
- Optum Enterprise Analytics, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Seyi Adebayo
- Optum Enterprise Analytics, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - David J. Kiernicki
- Optum Enterprise Analytics, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Daniel Proskauer
- Optum Technology, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - John R. Attewell
- Innovation, Research, and Development, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Alfred DeMaria
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Peter C. Rowe
- Children's Center Chronic Fatigue Clinic, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Tsai SY, Lin CL, Shih SC, Hsu CW, Leong KH, Kuo CF, Lio CF, Chen YT, Hung YJ, Shi L. Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following burn injuries. J Transl Med 2018; 16:342. [PMID: 30518392 PMCID: PMC6282352 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The overlapping symptoms and pathophysiological similarities between burn injury and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are noteworthy. Thus, this study explores the possible association between burn injury and the subsequent risk of CFS. Method We used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance system to address the research topic. The exposure cohort comprised of 17,204 patients with new diagnoses of burn injury. Each patient was frequency matched according to age, sex, index year, and comorbidities with four participants from the general population who did not have a history of CFS (control cohort). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to estimate the relationship between burn injury and the risk of subsequent CFS. Result The incidence of CFS in the exposure and control cohorts was 1.61 and 0.86 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The exposure cohort had a significantly higher overall risk of subsequent CFS than did the control cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41–1.56). The risk of CFS in patients with burn injury in whichever stratification (including sex, age, and comorbidity) was also higher than that of the control cohort. Conclusion The findings from this population-based retrospective cohort study suggest that thermal injury is associated with an increased risk of subsequent CFS and provided a point of view suggesting burn injuries in sun- exposed areas such as the face and limbs had greater impact on subsequent development of CFS compared with trunk areas. In addition, extensively burned areas and visible scars were predictors of greater physiological and psychosocial that are needed to follow-up in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Yi Tsai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States.
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Chuan Shih
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Hsu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kam-Hang Leong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Kuo
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Fu Lio
- Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.,Centro Hospitalar Conde de Sao Januario, Macao, China
| | - Yu-Tien Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Jiun Hung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States.
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Friedman KJ, Mattey B, Newton F. School Nurses Can Improve the Lives of Students With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. NASN Sch Nurse 2018; 33:372-379. [PMID: 30222036 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x18795299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic illness that is defined and diagnosed by its symptoms: extreme fatigue made worse by physical and mental activity, pain and decreased mental stamina, among others. A long-held, erroneous belief that ME/CFS is not a physiological illness has persisted among some clinicians, leading to the denial of a patient's physical illness and attributing the symptoms to other causes. The debilitating effects of ME/CFS in the pediatric population can affect all aspects of academic, social, emotional, and physical development. ME/CFS has been diagnosed in children younger than 10 years. Therefore, the school nurse is likely to encounter one or more students in the various stages of this disease, putting the school nurse in a position to ameliorate the impact of this potentially devastating chronic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J Friedman
- Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology, Retired, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Beth Mattey
- Lead School Nurse, Brandywine School District, Wilmington, DE
| | - Faith Newton
- Professor of Education and Coordinator of Middle-Level Education, Delaware State University, Dover, DE
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Jason LA, Ohanian D, Brown A, Sunnquist M, McManimen S, Klebek L, Fox P, Sorenson M. Differentiating Multiple Sclerosis from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 2. [PMID: 29430570 DOI: 10.21767/2572-5610.10027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and Chronic Fatigue syndrome are debilitating chronic illnesses, with some overlapping symptoms. However, few studies have compared and contrasted symptom and disability profiles for these illnesses for the purpose of further differentiating them. The current study was an online self-report survey that compared symptoms from a sample of individuals with MS (N = 120) with a sample of individuals with ME or CFS (N = 269). Respondents completed the self-report DePaul Symptom Questionnaire. Those individuals with ME or CFS reported significantly more functional limitations and significantly more severe symptoms than those with MS. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Jason
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - D Ohanian
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - A Brown
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - M Sunnquist
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - S McManimen
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - L Klebek
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - P Fox
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
| | - M Sorenson
- College of Science and Health, DePaul University, USA
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12
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Sunnquist M, Nicholson L, Jason LA, Friedman KJ. Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Call for Centers of Excellence. MODERN CLINICAL MEDICINE RESEARCH 2017; 1:28-35. [PMID: 28713878 PMCID: PMC5510655 DOI: 10.22606/mcmr.2017.11005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study sought to better understand the experience of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in accessing care for their debilitating illness. Of 898 participants, less than half had ever seen an ME or CFS specialist, though 99% of participants were interested in specialist care. Participants cited geographic and financial barriers as most frequently precluding access to specialists. Furthermore, satisfaction with specialist care greatly exceeded satisfaction with non-specialist care. These findings suggested that individuals with ME and CFS represent a medically-underserved population, due to lack of available care. The CFS Advisory Committee and NIH Pathways to Prevention Working Group recommended the creation of ME and CFS Centers of Excellence to improve the healthcare access of patients with ME and CFS. The current study documents the need for these centers, as they would ameliorate geographic and financial barriers to quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Sunnquist
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Laura Nicholson
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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13
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Capelli E, Lorusso L, Ghitti M, Venturini L, Cusa C, Ricevuti G. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Features of a population of patients from northern Italy. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2017; 28:53-9. [PMID: 25816406 DOI: 10.1177/0394632015572074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we analyzed the clinical features of a population of Italian patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) diagnosed according to the CDC-1994 criteria. The aim was to investigate CFS patients and their relatives, in order to search for events related to the onset of the disease and to identify correlations with other diseases. The analysis was carried out by examining medical records belonging to 82 patients suffering from the syndrome. The documentation was collected between 2008 and 2011 and provided by the non-profit Italian organization AMCFS (Associazione Malati di CFS). The influence of gender on the age of onset and association with potential risk factors were investigated in patients and in their relatives. From the results a significant correlation between the age of onset and autoimmunity was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Capelli
- Immunology and Genetic Analysis Laboratory, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - L Lorusso
- Department of Neurology, Mellino Mellini Hospital, Chiari, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Ghitti
- Immunology and Genetic Analysis Laboratory, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - L Venturini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy Cellular Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology Laboratory, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Cusa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy Cellular Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology Laboratory, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Anderson VR, Jason LA, Hlavaty LE, Porter N, Cudia J. A review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2012; 86:147-55. [PMID: 21571484 PMCID: PMC3229648 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review and synthesize findings across qualitative studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). METHODS Articles were systematically reviewed and analyzed within a meta-analytic framework. Analyses included a multi-perspective examination of ME/CFS, as well as a comparative analysis of ME/CFS versus other chronic conditions. RESULTS Thirty-four qualitative studies on ME/CFS were included. Findings include three substantive thematic areas that focus on: (1) experiences of people with ME/CFS, (2) experiences of physicians, and (3) themes that intersect both of these groups. For patients, illness development influenced identity, reductions in functioning, and coping. Physician-specific themes described lack of awareness about ME/CFS and recommended improvement in educational resources. Intersecting themes expressed issues with diagnosis creating tensions and fueling the stigmatization of ME/CFS. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate multilayered, context-specific experiences and ways in which both people with ME/CFS, as well as those involved in their lives (e.g., family or the medical community), interpret this illness. Future qualitative studies should recognize the various facets of the ME/CFS experience, the network members of people with ME/CFS, and the sociocultural environment through which the illness is understood. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health care professionals can gain unique insight from patient experiences, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie R Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Thompson CL, Schulz WL, Terrence A. A student authored online medical education textbook: editing patterns and content evaluation of a medical student wiki. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2011; 2011:1392-1401. [PMID: 22195202 PMCID: PMC3243148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The University of Minnesota medical student wiki (UMMedWiki) allows students to collaboratively edit classroom notes to support medical education. Since 2007, UMMedWiki has grown to include 1,591 articles that have collectively received 1.2 million pageviews. Although small-scale wikis have become increasingly important, little is known about their dynamics compared to large wikis, such as Wikipedia. To better understand UMMedWiki's management and its potential reproducibility at other medical schools, we used an edit log with 28,000 entries to evaluate the behavior of its student editors. The development of tools to survey UMMedwiki allows for quality comparisons that improve both the wiki and the curriculum itself. We completed a content survey by comparing the UMMedWiki with two types of rubric data: TIME, a medical education taxonomy consisting of 1500 terms and national epidemiological data on 2,100 diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Thompson
- College of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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