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Family Practice Advance Access published online on April 1, 2005
Family Practice, doi:10.1093/fampra/cmi019
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© The Author (2005). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Received April 19, 2004
Accepted February 5, 2005

Article

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of GPs' attitudes and knowledge

Jo Bowen 1*, Derek Pheby 2, Andre Charlett 3, and Cliodna McNulty 1

1 Health Protection Agency Primary Care Unit, Gloucester, UK
2 University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
3 Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease and Surveillance Centre Statistics Unit, London, UK

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Jo Bowen, E-mail: jill.whiting{at}hpa.org.uk


  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.

Keywords: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; practice guidelines; health knowledge/attitudes/practice; questionnaires.
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