105
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Articles

Long-term follow-up of multi-disciplinary outpatient treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy

, , &
Pages 47-58
Received 05 Jun 2014
Accepted 18 Nov 2014
Published online: 07 Jan 2015
 

Aims: The current study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary approach to chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) in a UK outpatient service. Methods: A longitudinal questionnaire survey was posted to 300 patients, incorporating measures of fatigue, physical functioning, mental health, and pain. Outcome measures administered at baseline (prior to service use) were compared to assessments at discharge, and at follow-up (average 34 months post-intervention). Results: Linear mixed modelling showed that fatigue, physical functioning, and depression significantly improved, although the improvement was reduced for fatigue, physical functioning, and pain at follow-up. Gainful employment had a significant positive association with most measures. Conclusions: The targeted multi-disciplinary service appeared to be at least somewhat effective long-term, and highly acceptable to patients. Patients appeared to benefit from individual and group approaches that combined cognitive behavioural therapy, graded exercise therapy, and pacing.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amalia Houlton

Amalia Houlton works as a clinical psychologist in adult secondary care services in the UK National Health Service. This research formed part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Leicester.

Marilyn M. Christie

Marilyn M. Christie is affiliated with the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Leicester.

Bozena Smith

Bozena Smith is the Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager at Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Eric Gardiner

Eric Gardiner is a statistical advisor in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Hull.

Reprints and Permissions

Please note: We are unable to provide a copy of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or commercial or derivative permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below.

Permission can also be obtained via Rightslink. For more information please visit our Permissions help page.