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McGhie-Fraser B, McLoughlin C, Lucassen P, Ballering A, van Dulmen S, Brouwers E, Stone J, Olde Hartman T. Measuring persistent somatic symptom related stigmatisation: Development of the Persistent Somatic Symptom Stigma scale for Healthcare Professionals (PSSS-HCP). J Psychosom Res 2024; 181:111689. [PMID: 38704347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) describe recurrent or continuously occurring symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or pain that have persisted for at least several months. These include single symptoms such as chronic pain, combinations of symptoms, or functional disorders such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome. While stigmatisation by healthcare professionals is regularly reported, there are limited measurement instruments demonstrating content validity. This study develops a new instrument to measure stigmatisation by healthcare professionals, the Persistent Somatic Symptom Stigma scale for Healthcare Professionals (PSSS-HCP). METHODS Development was an iterative process consisting of research team review, item generation and cognitive interviewing. We generated a longlist of 60 items from previous reviews and qualitative research. We conducted 18 cognitive interviews with healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom (UK). We analysed the relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness of items, including the potential for social desirability bias. RESULTS After research team consensus and initial feedback, we retained 40 items for cognitive interviewing. After our first round of interviews (n = 11), we removed 20 items, added three items and amended five items. After our second round of interviews (n = 7), we removed four items and amended three items. No major problems with relevance, comprehensibility, comprehensiveness or social desirability were found in remaining items. CONCLUSIONS The provisional version of the PSSS-HCP contains 19 items across three domains (stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination), demonstrating sufficient content validity. Our next step will be to perform a validation study to finalise item selection and explore the structure of the PSSS-HCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie McGhie-Fraser
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Caoimhe McLoughlin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter Lucassen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Aranka Ballering
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden.
| | - Evelien Brouwers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
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McGhie-Fraser B, Lucassen P, Ballering A, Abma I, Brouwers E, van Dulmen S, Olde Hartman T. Persistent somatic symptom related stigmatisation by healthcare professionals: A systematic review of questionnaire measurement instruments. J Psychosom Res 2023; 166:111161. [PMID: 36753936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) experience stigmatising attitudes and behaviours by healthcare professionals. While previous research has focussed on individual manifestations of PSS related stigma, less is known about sound ways to measure stigmatisation by healthcare professionals towards patients with PSS. This review aims to assess the quality of questionnaire measurement instruments and make recommendations about their use. METHODS A systematic review using six databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Open Grey and EThOS). The search strategy combined three search strings related to healthcare professionals, PSS and stigma. Additional publications were identified by searching bibliographies. Three authors independently extracted the data. Data analysis and synthesis followed COSMIN methodology for reviews of outcome measurement instruments. RESULTS We identified 90 publications that met the inclusion criteria using 62 questionnaire measurement instruments. Stereotypes were explored in 92% of instruments, prejudices in 52% of instruments, and discrimination in 19% of instruments. The development process of the instruments was not rated higher than doubtful. Construct validity, structural validity, internal consistency and reliability were the most commonly investigated measurement properties. Evidence around content validity was inconsistent or indeterminate. CONCLUSION No instrument provided acceptable evidence on all measurement properties. Many instruments were developed for use within a single publication, with little evidence of their development or establishment of content validity. This is problematic because stigma instruments should reflect the challenges that healthcare professionals face when working with patients with PSS. They should also reflect the experiences that patients with PSS have widely reported during clinical encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie McGhie-Fraser
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Services Research, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter Lucassen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Services Research, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Aranka Ballering
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Inger Abma
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Evelien Brouwers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Services Research, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden.
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Services Research, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Terman JM, Awsumb JM, Cotler J, Jason LA. Confirmatory factor analysis of a myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome stigma scale. J Health Psychol 2020; 25:2352-2361. [PMID: 30183363 PMCID: PMC7970268 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318796906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study adapted a chronic illness stigma scale and explored its psychometric properties. The main purposes were to confirm the factor structure of the instrument with this population and address the previous factor intercorrelation discrepancies. Five hundred and fifty-four individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome completed the adapted stigma scale. Results document the stigma experienced by an international sample of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Factors demonstrated good internal consistency, and a model fit was found in a confirmatory factor analysis. Participants endorsed high levels of stigma, estrangement, and disclosure. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.
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Terman JM, Cotler J, Jason LA. HOW PSYCHIATRIC REFERRALS INFLUENCE STIGMATIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: AN EXAMINATION OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH MODELS. COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE 2019; 5:19-29. [PMID: 33628951 PMCID: PMC7901827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are controversial chronic illnesses with a myriad of debilitating symptoms. This study aimed to explore physician referrals to psychiatrists or psychologists, perceived stigma, and estrangement for patients with ME and CFS. Findings indicate that patients who have been referred to psychiatrists are likely to perceive illness stigma and feel estranged from others due to their illness. These relationships are moderated by the country of residence, the United States and the United Kingdom. The implications of physician referrals for people with ME and CFS are discussed.
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Kingdon CC, Bowman EW, Curran H, Nacul L, Lacerda EM. Functional Status and Well-Being in People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Compared with People with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2018; 2:381-392. [PMID: 29536371 PMCID: PMC6249197 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-018-0071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) continue to struggle to have their condition recognised as disabling in the face of public and professional prejudice and discrimination. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the functional status and well-being of people with well-characterised ME/CFS with people with multiple sclerosis (PWMS), as well as healthy controls (HCs). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used data collected as part of the UK ME/CFS Biobank to compare actual participant scores from the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 v2™ (SF-36v2™) between groups, as a proxy for impact of disability, and from a bespoke questionnaire seeking data on employment and income. RESULTS People with ME/CFS scored significantly lower than PWMS or HCs in almost all SF-36v2™ areas. Prominent were lower scores for people with ME/CFS in the Physical Component Summary and Role Physical and Social Function domains, while the smallest differences were seen in the Mental Health domain. Responses to the bespoke questionnaire indicated that people with ME/CFS in this study work fewer hours and have lower incomes compared with people in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS Using SF-36v2™ scores as a proxy, people with ME/CFS were measurably more disabled than PWMS or HCs in this study population. Furthermore, employment and income data are consistent with loss of functional status. These findings should encourage the health community to recognise the disabling effects of ME/CFS, to advocate for the needs of people with ME/CFS, and to investigate strategies to address the cost of the disease to both individuals and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C Kingdon
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Erinna W Bowman
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hayley Curran
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Luis Nacul
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eliana M Lacerda
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Twisk F. Dutch Health Council Advisory Report on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Taking the Wrong Turn. Diagnostics (Basel) 2018; 8:E34. [PMID: 29772739 PMCID: PMC6023498 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics8020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the Dutch Health Council published their advisory report on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) which is meant to determine the medical policy with regard to ME in the Netherlands. The Health Council briefly discusses several diagnostic criteria and proposes to use new diagnostic criteria for "ME/CFS" in research and clinical practice in the future. The advisory report then summarizes organic abnormalities observed in the last decades and concludes that "ME/CFS" is a "serious, chronic, multisystem disease". According to the Health Council there are no curative treatments for "ME/CFS", due to lack of knowledge, but specific medication could bring symptomatic relief. The Health Council recommends conducting more research, to (re)educate medical professionals about "ME/CFS", to appoint three academic expertise centres, which will install a care network for patients, and to fairly judge the limitations (disability) of patients when they apply for a disability income, medical aid and care. The advisory report was welcomed by many patients, because it puts an end to the dominance of the (bio)psychosocial explanatory model and seems to offer a perspective of improving the situation of patients. However, the starting point of the advisory report, a new definition of "ME/CFS", will have serious (long-lasting) consequences for patients and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Twisk
- ME-de-patiënten Foundation, Zonnedauw 15, 1906 HB Limmen, The Netherlands.
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Jason LA, Holbert C, Torres-Harding S, Taylor RR. Stigma and the Term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. JOURNAL OF DISABILITY POLICY STUDIES 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/10442073040140040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Considerable discussion has occurred concerning the diagnostic label chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Many patient groups argue that using this term trivializes the seriousness of the syndrome. A federal government organization, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Coordinating Committee, appointed a Name Change Workgroup to attempt to develop different terminology for this disorder. This group distributed a poll to patients and health-care providers to obtain information about its recommendation to use an umbrella term, chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome, and subtypes under it. In addition, the CFIDS Association, a national self-help advocacy organization, distributed a questionnaire to a group of health-care providers concerning these recommendations. The findings of both polls are presented. Overall findings indicated that the majority of patients want the name changed and that the term chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome was acceptable to the majority of this group.
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Roche R, Taylor RR. Coping and Occupational Participation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/153944920502500205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Existing studies have shown that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome demonstrate functional impairment in several domains related to occupational participation. Researchers have not yet explored whether coping styles may be associated with occupational participation in individuals with this condition. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of coping styles on occupational participation among adults with chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors hypothesized that occupational participation would be associated with coping strategies oriented toward information seeking and maintaining activity, and that this relationship would endure despite individual differences in illness severity. The study used a cross-sectional design to describe the associations between coping and occupational participation for 47 individuals diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome. Findings from linear regression analysis revealed that the coping style of maintaining activity was positively associated with occupational participation, whereas illness accommodation was negatively associated. Implications of the findings for continued research and clinical practice in occupational therapy are discussed.
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Abstract
This article explores mixed methods approaches with an illness called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Qualitative and Quantitative data were used to investigate the epidemiology of this illness, as well as explore attributions based on the name of the illness, and finally treatment approaches. In each of the domains within the ME and CFS research reviewed, our analyses were richer and our findings ultimately more impactful when we integrated qualitative and quantitative research methods. The use of a multiphase mixed methods research program provided our team unique vantage points for better understanding social and community issues involving this controversial chronic illness. Further, this approach allowed us to implement the insights gained through an advocacy lens to change policy, recommend and evaluate treatments, and amplify voices within the patient population. In this way, we believe that the practice of methodological pluralism is especially applicable and effective to the study of chronic illness, and believe other investigators will benefit from the use of these approaches with similar disenfranchised and unfairly treated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, United States
| | - Jordan Reed
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, United States
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Jason LA, Holbert C, Torres-Harding S, Taylor RR, LeVasseur JJ, Breitinger P, LaBarbera D, Siegel L. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome versus Chronic Neuroendocrineimmune Dysfunction Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 18:43-55. [PMID: 15189800 DOI: 10.1300/j045v18n01_03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Since 1988, when the term chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was coined, considerable discussion has occurred about stigma associated with this diagnostic term. In particular, patients with CFS have felt that this term trivializes the serious nature of this disorder. A Name Change Work group, appointed by the CFS Coordinating Committee, developed an umbrella term: chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome (CNDS), and proposed that there would be sub-types under this term, one being CFS. The present study examined attributions of this new umbrella term when compared with CFS. Nurses and physician assistants (PAs) were presented a case study of a patient with symptoms of CFS. They were told that the patient had either "chronic fatigue syndrome," "chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome," or "chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome, which had formerly been called chronic fatigue syndrome." The different terms led to different attributions, with PA respondents rating the "CNDS" label as more severe. Results suggest that a more medical sounding term (CNDS) may lead to attributions that this syndrome is a more serious, disabling illness. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
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Brimmer DJ, McCleary KK, Lupton TA, Faryna KM, Hynes K, Reeves WC. A train-the-trainer education and promotion program: chronic fatigue syndrome--a diagnostic and management challenge. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2008; 8:49. [PMID: 18922184 PMCID: PMC2576246 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-8-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated illness for providers and patients. Fewer than 20% of persons with CFS have been diagnosed and treated. For providers, compounding the issue are the challenges in making a diagnosis due to the lack of a biomedical marker. METHODS The objective of the CFS diagnosis and management curriculum was to instruct core trainers as to the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of CFS. Over a two year period, 79 primary care physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners from diverse regions in the U.S. participated as core trainers in a two day Train-the-Trainer (TTT) workshop. As core trainers, the workshop participants were expected to show increases in knowledge, self-efficacy, and management skills with the primary goal of conducting secondary presentations. RESULTS The optimal goal for each core trainer to present secondary training to 50 persons in the health care field was not reached. However, the combined core trainer group successfully reached 2064 primary care providers. Eighty-two percent of core trainers responded "Very good" or "Excellent" in a post-tessurvey of self-efficacy expectation and CFS diagnosis. Data from the Chicago workshops showed significant improvement on the Primary Care Opinion Survey (p < 0.01) and on the Relevance and Responsibility Factors of the CAT survey (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Dallas workshop data show a significant change from pre- to post-test scores on the CFS Knowledge test (p = 0.001). Qualitative and process evaluation data revealed that target audience and administrative barriers impacted secondary training feasibility. CONCLUSION Data show the workshop was successful in meeting the objectives of increasing CFS knowledge and raising perceived self-efficacy towards making a diagnosis. The CFS TTT program informed an educational provider project by shifting the format for physicians to grand rounds and continuing medical education design while retaining TTT aspects for nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. Evaluations also indicate that secondary trainings may be more readily employed and accepted if administrative barriers are addressed early in the planning phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana J Brimmer
- Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin Hynes
- Illinois AHEC Program, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - William C Reeves
- Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Dickson A, Knussen C, Flowers P. ‘That was my old life; it's almost like a past-life now’: Identity crisis, loss and adjustment amongst people living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Psychol Health 2008; 23:459-76. [DOI: 10.1080/08870440701757393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Friedberg F, Sohl SJ, Halperin PJ. Teaching medical students about medically unexplained illnesses: a preliminary study. MEDICAL TEACHER 2008; 30:618-621. [PMID: 18608944 DOI: 10.1080/01421590801946970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined how an interactive seminar focusing on two medically unexplained illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, influenced medical student attitudes toward CFS, a more strongly stigmatized illness. METHODS Forty-five fourth year medical students attended a 90 minute interactive seminar on the management of medically unexplained illnesses that was exemplified with CFS and fibromyalgia. A modified version of the CFS attitudes test was administered immediately before and after the seminar. RESULTS Pre-seminar assessment revealed neutral to slightly favorable toward CFS. At the end of the seminar, significantly more favorable attitudes were found toward CFS in general (t (42) = 2.77; P < 0.01) and for specific items that focused on (1) supporting more CFS research funding (t (42) = 4.32; P < 0.001; (2) employers providing flexible hours for people with CFS (t (42) = 3.52, P < 0.01); and (3) viewing CFS as not primarily a psychological disorder (t (42) = 2.87, P < 0.01). Thus, a relatively brief exposure to factual information on specific medically unexplained illnesses was associated with more favorable attitudes toward CFS in fourth year medical students. CONCLUSION This type of instruction may lead to potentially more receptive professional attitudes toward providing care to these underserved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Friedberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University, New York 11794-8790, USA.
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Jason LA, Taylor RR, Plioplys S, Stepanek Z, Shlaes J. Evaluating attributions for an illness based upon the name: chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalopathy and Florence Nightingale disease. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2002; 30:133-148. [PMID: 11928774 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014328319297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, considerable discussion has occurred about stigma surrounding the name given to an illness currently known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although patients and medical personnel have expressed varying opinions on this issue, no studies have evaluated how beliefs about the illness change based upon the type of name used for diagnostic purposes. Proposals have been put forth to rename the illness with an eponym (a famous patient's or researcher's name) or with a less trivial sounding, more medically based type of name. In this study, attributions about CFS were measured in three groups of medical trainees. All groups read the same case study of a person with classic symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, with the only difference being in the type of name given. Trainees then were asked to provide attributions about certain aspects of the illness, including its cause, severity, and prognosis. Results suggested that, across name conditions, most trainees appeared to consider the symptom complex of CFS a serious illness resulting in poor quality of life. In addition, findings indicated that the name, chronic fatigue syndrome, may be regarded less seriously than the Myalgic Encephalopathy name with respect to some important aspects of the illness. In this study, specialty of medical trainee also played a role in how the illness was perceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA.
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Jason LA, Eisele H, Taylor RR. Assessing attitudes toward new names for chronic fatigue syndrome. Eval Health Prof 2001; 24:424-35. [PMID: 11817200 DOI: 10.1177/01632780122034993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A questionnaire was distributed at the American Association of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome's biannual convention in Washington in January 2001 as well as through various Internet Web sites and listserves during early February and March of 2001. The sample consisted of 432 respondents. Most respondents (86%) indicated they wanted a name change, although more patients than scientists were in favor of this change. It was also apparent that the patients and physicians were clearly split between adopting a name such as myalgic encephalopathy versus one such as neuro-endocrine immune disorder. Also, among those respondents who selected either of these two choices for a new name, less than 30% of them supported the other name. Although the majority of respondents feel the name should be changed at this time, this survey suggests there are different stakeholders involved in the name-change process, each with strong and sometimes disparate feelings about changing the name.
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Friedberg F, Jason LA. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: clinical assessment and treatment. J Clin Psychol 2001; 57:433-55. [PMID: 11255201 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are closely related illnesses of uncertain etiology. This article reviews the research literature on these biobehavioral conditions, with an emphasis on explanatory models, clinical evaluation of comorbid psychiatric disorders, assessment of stress factors, pharmacologic and alternative therapies, and cognitive-behavioral treatment studies. Furthermore, clinical protocols suitable for professional practice are presented based on an integration of the authors' clinical observations with published data. The article concludes with the recognition that mental health professionals can offer substantial help to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Friedberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA.
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Taylor RR, Jason LA, Kennedy CL, Friedberg F. Effect of physician-recommended treatment on mental health practitioners' attributions for chronic fatigue syndrome. Rehabil Psychol 2001. [DOI: 10.1037/0090-5550.46.2.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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