Family Practice Advance Access originally published online on April 1, 2005
Family Practice 2005 22(4):389-393; doi:10.1093/fampra/cmi019
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of GPs' attitudes and knowledge
a Health Protection Agency Primary Care Unit, Gloucester, b University of the West of England, Bristol and c Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease and Surveillance Centre Statistics Unit, London, UK.
Correspondence to Miss Jo Bowen, Health Protection Agency, Primary Care Unit, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3NN; Email: jill.whiting{at}hpa.org.uk
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.
Keywords. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, practice guidelines, health knowledge/attitudes/practice, questionnaires.
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