The ME Association has jointly produced an audio podcast with Caroline Kingdon and colleagues, using the outreach audiobook on the science communication channel, SciPod. The UK registered charity supports people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis or encephalopathy, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome) and the newly published audiobook is entitled: ‘From Stigma to Support: a new approach to ME/CFS treatment in the UK.’
The audiobook summarises the key recommendations made in recent paper ‘What Primary Care practitioners need to know about the new NICE guideline for ME/CFS in adults.’ (https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/12/2438 )
The paper is by Caroline Kingdon from UK ME/CFS Biobank (https://cureme.lshtm.ac.uk/), Adam Lowe (patient representative), and Dr Charles Shepherd (ME Association - https://meassociation.org.uk/) and Luis Nacul (UK ME/CFS Biobank); all of whom were members of the committee that produced the new NICE guideline on ME/CFS.
The episode discusses this misunderstood complex disease and aims to inform primary caregivers about the NICE guideline (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206), and how it prioritises an overdue shift towards compassionate and patient-focused care for ME/CFS. Furthermore, the audiobook episode acknowledges that the NICE guideline represents a turning point in the care and understanding of ME/CFS.
For patients and their families, this guideline provides a blueprint for better care, one that acknowledges the reality of their illness and offers practical, evidence-based recommendations. While there is still much to learn about ME/CFS, this progress is a significant step towards improving healthcare for the better, and promotes further understanding of the support patients need in primary care.
For further information, and to access the audiobook (including the transcript), visit the MEA website HERE
