Article: Fit to drop? Managing chronic fatigue syndrome in the workplace May 2020

[Sly Saint]

Not a recommendation
CPD: Fit to drop? Managing chronic fatigue syndrome in the workplace
On 1 May 2020 in Continuing professional development, Disability, Mental health and stress, OH service delivery, Sickness absence management, Occupational Health

Case study

This case study presents the management of an OH referral for Sally, (a pseudonym), a 39-year-old employee with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although CFS will be used throughout this article it is worth noting the alternative term myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is used interchangeably by many clinicians. However, some researchers assert that ME and CFS are not the same condition, as there are subtle differences in their diagnostic criteria (White et al 2011).

Sufferers are generally critical of what they consider to be an undue focus on the psychological aspects of the condition, considering this to be stigmatising (Lancet, 2015). As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention observes (2018), CFS should not be considered to be a psychological disorder but a biological illness, with numerous pathophysiological changes affecting multiple systems,

In light of the stigma often associated with a diagnosis of CFS, in what The Lancet (2015) described as a landmark report, the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) proposed redefining evidence-based diagnostic criteria and suggested an alternative term for this condition, mirroring the literature and more accurately reflecting the features of the condition.

The term suggested was systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) systemic as the condition affects many body systems; exertion intolerance reflecting that the central feature of the disorder is fatigue (even at rest); and disease indicating that the condition has pathological mechanisms.

Engel’s (1977) biopsychosocial approach underpinned the OH assessment and focused on the physical, sociological, psychological and intellectual aspects of Sally’s health status.

https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/c...ng-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-in-the-workplace/

 

[Esther12]

On one of the authors:

Anne Harriss, Emeritus Professor, has extensive teaching and course management experience both at London South Bank University and previously at the Royal College of Nursing. She has driven the development of occupational health (OH) education and practice locally, nationally and internationally. In June 2019 she was appointed President Elect of the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM). She will take on the role of SOM President in June 2020, the first President who is not a doctor, a first for nursing.

 

[rvallee]

I've heard of "my dog ate my homework" but this is more of a "did you dog do your homework?" because it actually be preferable and less humiliating.

Really looking forward to the day ignorant opinions on the topic aren't so common. I sure could do with fewer of those, we all could.

 

[Snowdrop]

"Sally" is a perfect patient. Lucky break for this story.

 

[Snow Leopard]

"Sally" is a perfect patient. Lucky break for this story.

She was willing and highly compliant, yet she is still ill at the end.

The conclusion is horrifying, namely all they are interested in Sally's return to work, without considering the impact that this would have on the rest of her life - the fact that she wanted to cut her hours suggests she is still ill and is suffering: "she was considering reducing her contracted hours to allow her to better manage her symptoms.".

The conclusion is extremely misleading, it says "She was enjoying aqua aerobics" but in the text is says Sally had participated in "one session of aqua aerobics"

 

[Hoopoe]

Recovery is a mindset and I'm recovered, said the patient from the bed he was confined to.

The lightning process practitioner was thrilled she had been able to make the patient recover.

 

[ladycatlover]

Lot of coloured flag waving! Yellow, red, blue and pink! Actually waving some flags would prob be more conducive to recovery than the process this poor lady has been through.

 

[DokaGirl]

It would be interesting to know what the cut off, or time limit is for when sadness and grief qualifies as depression and mental illness.

Surely 3 months isn't too long to be sad after losing a dear loved one.

It is concerning, if I can use that word without being labeled with an anxiety disorder, to view BPS behaviour that pins depression, and mental illness on someone reacting normally following common life events.

That being said, it is the usual misunderstanding to put it mildly, re ME, and the need for CBT and GET.

It would also be interesting to see how "Sally' was doing in a 6 month, and 12 month follow up. Was she still working? Did her health deteriorate?