Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to progress the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult as there is no specific diagnostic test that can be used, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Diagnosis is usually made by taking a medical history, checking symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. Blood tests, x-rays and other scans may be used to rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms to fibromyalgia.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) curriculum includes training in musculoskeletal conditions, and as such, GP training can include fibromyalgia. A key component of a trainee GP’s final assessment, alongside the Clinical Skills Assessment and Workplace Based Assessment, is the applied knowledge test (AKT). The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins independent general practice in the United Kingdom within the context of the NHS. The content guide for the RCGP, which serves to prepare trainees for the test, includes a specific reference to a required knowledge of fibromyalgia. The Applied Knowledge Test Content Guide is attached.

A range of support exists to help GPs identify the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia in primary care. This includes an e-learning course developed by the RCGP and Arthritis Research UK on musculoskeletal care, including fibromyalgia, and a medical guide on diagnosis and treatment developed by the Fibromyalgia Association UK (FMUK) for health professionals. Information for the public can be found on the NHS Choices website and is also available in an online patient information guide produced by FMUK. The Fibromyalgia Guidance for Health Professionals is attached.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, some treatments can ease symptoms and support improved quality of life for patients. The treatments offered will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, but may include: pharmacological pain relief; physiotherapy; dietary and exercise advice; counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy; and self-management programmes which aim to give patients the skills and confidence to manage their conditions more effectively. There are also a number of National Health Service trusts that offer specialist fibromyalgia clinics, such as the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, which patients can access on referral from the clinician responsible for their care.