RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall 2003

Provider education project offers CE, Spreads word about CFS management

Health care providers can learn more about recognizing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) — and earn continuing education (CE) credits at the same time — by participating in a collaborative education program run by The CFIDS Association of America and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Diagnostic & Management Chal-lenge" is offered as a self-study course, and is available in three formats: video, print and online. All formats are based on the curriculum developed by a group of CFS experts from across the United States and offer a basic overview of the illness. Topics include case definition, history, theories of etiology, myths surrounding CFS, diagnosis, management, disability and prognosis.

For more information, call 704-364-0466, or send an e-mail to meded@cfids.org. Details also are available online at The CFIDS Association Web site, http://www.cfids.org/profresources/print-self-study-module.asp.

The curriculum is part of a larger provider education project created by the Association and CDC. Project representatives attend major medical conferences across the country, staffing a CFS information exhibit, sponsoring speakers and facilitating other CFS-related events.

This year, the project was promoted in advertisements placed in major medical journals — including The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, the New England Journal of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings and the Journal of Family Practice. Promotional banner ads also have appeared online, on WebMD and other outlets. A sample advertisement appears on this page.

A curriculum for ancillary health care providers is now in development. It will target multiple disciplines, including occupational and physical therapy, counselors and other professionals in the behavioral health community.

This new curriculum will be based on the medical provider course, yet will offer an increased focus on management options for the ancillary practitioner. The new program will be available in 2004. Contact meded@cfids.org for further information.