Practice Nurses' views of their role in the management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalagic Encephalitis: a qualitative study
2009

Practice Nurses' Views on Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sample size: 29 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chew-Graham Carolyn, Dixon Rebecca, Shaw Jonathan W, Smyth Nina, Lovell Karina, Peters Sarah

Primary Institution: University of Manchester

Hypothesis

What are Practice Nurses' understanding and beliefs about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis and its management?

Conclusion

Practice Nurses have limited understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis and face barriers in managing patients with this condition.

Supporting Evidence

  • Practice Nurses reported limited training and knowledge about CFS/ME.
  • Many nurses expressed a desire for further training to manage CFS/ME patients effectively.
  • Nurses identified barriers such as negative attitudes and lack of confidence in managing psychological aspects of CFS/ME.

Takeaway

Practice Nurses don't know much about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but they want to help patients and think they need more training to do so.

Methodology

Semi-structured interviews with 29 Practice Nurses were conducted and analyzed thematically.

Potential Biases

Some nurses held negative attitudes towards CFS/ME patients, which could affect their management.

Limitations

The study had a low response rate, and the views may not represent all practice nurses.

Participant Demographics

All participants were female registered general nurses with varied experience.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6955-8-2

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