Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of GPs' attitudes and knowledge 2005 - Jo Bowen

[Sly Saint]

Thought this was an interesting survey; would be even more interesting to have a similar study from the last 5 years or so to compare with.

Abstract
Background. GPs need evidence and guidance to help them diagnose and manage Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ME appropriately.

Objectives. The aim of this survey was to obtain baseline data and identify the factors associated with GPs' attitudes to and knowledge of CFS/ME. The attitude of GPs to the condition is an important indicator of likely prognosis.

Methods. A postal questionnaire was sent to 1054 GPs served by Taunton, Bristol and Gloucester laboratories. GPs' attitudes to nine statements about CFS/ME were assessed and the factors associated with positive or negative responses were determined. Knowledge of the clinical features was also assessed.

Results. 811 GPs (77%) returned the questionnaire. 48% of GPs did not feel confident with making a diagnosis of CFS/ME and 41% did not feel confident in treatment. 72% of GPs accepted CFS/ME as a recognisable clinical entity and those GPs had significantly more positive attitudes. Three other key factors that were significantly, positively associated with GPs' attitudes were knowing someone socially with CFS/ME, being male and seeing more patients with the condition in the last year.

Conclusion. Despite the publication of guidance for GPs on CFS/ME, confidence with making a diagnosis and management was found to be low. Educational initiatives and guidance for GPs should stress the importance of accepting CFS/ME as a recognisable clinical entity, as this is linked to having a positive attitude and could lead to improved confidence to make a diagnosis and treat CFS/ME patients.

https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/22/4/389/662664

some statements to score on:
I am irritated by these patients, I am filled with despair by such patients..........

 

[Invisible Woman]

some statements to score on:
I am irritated by these patients, I am filled with despair by such patients..........

Calls for CBT to deal with negative thoughts in my view - replace 'em with:

In General Practice a number of the patients I see would get better of their own accord without any input from me. I treat them with the same level of contempt - why not.

I must learn to understand that people who can hardly drag themselves to the bathroom most days, must have good reason to drag themselves in to see me. Apart from my sparkling charm and wit of course.

If these patients were not sick they would not need me.

If these patients did not need me I would be out of a (well paid) job.

Without these patients I would be unable to pay my mortgage, afford my car, pay the kids school fees, be in line for a very nice pension.

In most jobs people have to deal with difficult or challenging situations all the time. They deal with it - it's a technique called doing your job.

Eta spelling

 

[Samuel]

i want a survey sent to /all/ doctors and /all/ politicians in congress and parliament and /everybody/ at nih and fda and mrc and nhs that asks things like:

1] people can be bedridden for
a] they can't
b] days
c] weeks
d] months
e] years
f] until they die

2] people have died
a] true
b] false

3] there are cases where the room must be completely dark and there must be no noise
a] true
b] false

4] people generally recover
a] true
b] false

...

i especially especially especially want francis collins to be handed the survey and i want us to make sure he answers it. and i want to know what his answers are.

i want this so much i can taste it. but i can't put it together for health reasons.

ETA: obviously we only need this survey for statistical samples + key figures, repeated regularly to track knowledge. when i said /all/, i was thinking of those "where do you stand" surveys that groups send to all us congressmen and senators. and letter to all doctors. and letter to every employee of nih.