Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Diagnostic and Communication Case Study for Health Care Providers in Training.

Introduction: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, complex illness. No diagnostic tests exist; illness evaluation relies on medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests. While more is known about ME/CFS in adults, it can affect children and adolescents as a chronic condition.

Methods: We implemented an ME/CFS pediatric educational activity (diagnosis, management, and communication) with medical, physician assistant, and nursing students at one university and with medical students at a second university. Pretests, two videos and slides, and posttests were completed in approximately 40 minutes. Evaluation included quantitative and qualitative measures for knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, confidence, and clinical information about ME/CFS.

Results: The first group included 31 students who reported low familiarity and clinical exposure to ME/CFS. At posttest, 25 students (81%) recognized ME/CFS as a medical condition compared to seven (23%) at pretest. Using 0-5 scales, mean pretest-to-posttest ability to diagnose increased from 1.0 to 3.5, and confidence to communicate increased from 1.4 to 3.9. The second group, including 26 students pretest and 19 posttest, also reported low familiarity and clinical exposure The posttest showed increased self-rated ability to diagnose (pretest M: 0.6, posttest M: 3.3) and confidence to communicate (pretest M: 1.4, posttest M: 3.7). Qualitative feedback for this group showed understanding of pediatric ME/CFS symptoms, management, and communication.

Discussion: This educational activity increased knowledge of ME/CFS as self-reported ability to make a diagnosis and increased confidence to communicate about pediatric ME/CFS. Participating students showed changes in attitudes towards ME/CFS as a medical condition.