Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) elearning

It is estimated that over 250,000 people in the UK are living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Despite these figures, there are still many misconceptions around ME/CFS, and the patients suffer from prolonged diagnosis and stigma.

This elearning programme has been developed in collaboration with patient groups and the Department of Health and Social Care as a resource for all healthcare practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge and support for individuals living with ME/CFS.

It aims to:

• highlight the variability in patient experiences and the impact on individuals and their families
• encourage the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care
• highlight the importance of pacing, symptom management, and supportive networks                                                    

Introduction to ME/CFS: this session is accessible to all and aims to provide an introduction to the complex nature of ME/CFS. The session explains what ME/CFS is, discusses the potential causes and diagnostic challenges and provides an overview of possible management strategies.

ME/CFS: guidance for community-based healthcare practitioners: this session aims to inform and empower community-based healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively diagnose, manage, and support patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Supporting people with severe ME/CFS: this session helps healthcare professionals understand how to support people living with severe or very severe me/cfs in a safe and considerate way. It introduces the challenges linked to the condition such as sensory sensitivity, post-exertional malaise, autonomic difficulties and problems maintaining nutrition and shows how simple changes in community and hospital settings can make care safer and more comfortable. Aimed at those working in community care acute care and wider support teams the session builds confidence in recognising individual needs and making practical adjustments that reduce the risk of worsening symptoms. This session is also open access to anyone with an account on the Learning Hub.

Support and clinical management of severe ME/CFS : this session or clinicians who support, or have an interest in, the management of people living with sever and very severe ME/CFS. It provides practical, evidence-based recommendation in 4 key areas: strategies for care in the community, nutritional support and risk management, managing risk in hospital care and pharmaceutical support. The session is available to people working in NHS, government and educational sectors.