Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of GPs' attitudes and knowledge.
BACKGROUND
GPs need evidence and guidance to help them diagnose and manage Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ME appropriately.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bowen
Jo
J
Health Protection Agency Primary Care Unit, Gloucester, UK. jill.whiting@hpa.org.uk
Pheby
Derek
D
Charlett
Andre
A
McNulty
Cliodna
C
D003625:Data Collection; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D006113:United Kingdom