Asked by: Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with medical training bodies on ensuring that training programs for doctors, nurses and other health professionals include the most up to date guidance on diagnosis and appropriate treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Answered by Stephen Hammond
There have been no recent discussions between Departmental Ministers and training bodies for doctors, nurses or other health professionals about myalgic encephalomyelitis.
National Health Service employers are responsible for ensuring staff they employ are trained to the required standards to deliver appropriate treatment for patients.
Asked by: Lord Bellingham (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of medical training bodies on ensuring that training programs for doctors, nurses and other health professionals include the most up to date guidance on diagnosis and appropriate treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Answered by Steve Brine
Ministers at the Department regularly meet with medical training bodies including the General Medical Council, to discuss many issues. However, there have been no recent discussions with medical training bodies to discuss the guidance on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
In terms of training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide.
The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the UK within the context of the NHS and is a key part of general practitioners’ qualifying exams.
On 20 September 2017, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence announced its decision to undertake a full update of the guideline, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children’, following a review of the latest available evidence on the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME and a public consultation. New guidance is expected in October 2020. More information on this decision can be found at the following link:
Asked by: Lord Field of Birkenhead (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking in response to the resolution of the House of 24 January 2019 on appropriate ME treatment.
Answered by Steve Brine
The Government is investing over £1.7 billion a year in health research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC). Since 2011, the MRC has funded seven research projects totalling £2.62 million, following a call for proposals to help increase the understanding of the mechanisms of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). CFS/ME research remains an area of high strategic importance for the MRC. Applications are encouraged in response to MRC’s Science Boards and Panels under a Cross-Board highlight notice, in place since 2003 and updated in 2011.
On 20 September 2017, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced its decision to undertake a full update of the guideline, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children’, following a review of the latest available evidence on the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME and a public consultation. New guidance is expected in October 2020. More information on this decision can be found at the following link:
In terms of training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the United Kingdom within the context of the NHS and is a key part of GPs’ qualifying exams.
Finally, regarding concerns about the wellbeing of children; we recognise that chronic medical conditions, such as ME, can put a strain on the child and their family. Whilst the Department for Education would want to avoid action that would add to the strain, it is right that children’s services should be prepared to assess the needs of children who may be at risk. It is important that the assessment of a child is conducted on a multi-agency basis, and takes account of any medical condition the child may have.
In July 2018, the Department for Education published an updated version of its statutory safeguarding guidance, ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’. This includes guidance on how assessments should be conducted, and sets out new local multi-agency procedures. Health services are one of the core local safeguarding partners.
Asked by: Laurence Robertson (Conservative - Tewkesbury)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for research into the causes of ME; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) recognises that myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a debilitating condition.
Since 2011, the NIHR has provided £3.37 million of programmes funding for projects and training on CFS/ME. Several of the NIHR’s Biomedical Research Centres also carry out research into CFS/ME, with project funding provided by the Medical Research Council and CFS/ME charities.
The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including ME; it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.
Asked by: Kate Osamor (Labour (Co-op) - Edmonton)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis among the public and medical practitioners.
Answered by Steve Brine
There is information on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) for both healthcare professionals and the general public via the NHS Choices website. Further information is also provided in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline on CFS/ME, which is provided in formats suitable for both professionals and the public. Both the NHS Choices and NICE guidance can be found at the following links:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/
Education and training is also an important feature in building the awareness of clinical professionals. In terms of education and training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the United Kingdom within the context of the National Health Service and is a key part of GPs’ qualifying exams. In addition, the RCGP offers a free online e-learning course for clinicians which covers the diagnosis treatment and care of patients with CFS/ME.
Once fully qualified, clinicians are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by NICE.
Asked by: Countess of Mar (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether teachers who become Designated Senior Leads for Mental Health to oversee the approach to mental health and wellbeing in schools will be trained to distinguish children with anxiety, depression or behavioural problems from children who have myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) as a primary cause of their illness.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
It will be for schools to decide what training is needed by Designated Senior Leads for mental health. They can choose to train leads in recognising and responding to specific health conditions, including anxiety, depression or myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome).
We would not expect leads to have specialist clinical knowledge or to make diagnoses. We expect that they will work closely with new Mental Health Support Teams and specialist NHS services to draw on expert advice and training on how to respond to different needs and ensure that timely referrals are made to NHS services if necessary.
The department will be supporting providers to develop training for leads through the Teaching and Leadership Innovation Fund. The department wants the training to focus on effective ways to set up and maintain a whole-school approach to mental health within which any conditions can be identified and specialist support provided most effectively.
Asked by: Julian Sturdy (Conservative - York Outer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government is taking to raise awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis among (a) healthcare professionals and (b) the general public.
Answered by Steve Brine
There is information readily available on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) for both healthcare professionals and the general public via NHS Choices website. Further information is also provided in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidance which can be found via their website. This information is provided in formats suitable for both professionals and the public. Both the NHS Choices and NICE guidance can be found at the following links:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/
On 20 September 2017, NICE announced plans to undertake a full review of the guidance to ensure it reflects the latest available evidence.
Education and training is also an important feature in building the awareness of clinical professionals. In terms of education and training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the United Kingdom within the context of the National Health Service and is a key part of general practitioner’s qualifying exams.
Once fully qualified, clinicians are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by NICE.
Asked by: Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative - Shrewsbury and Atcham)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of guidelines on myalgic encephalomyelitis published by health authorities in (a) Canada and (b) other countries.
Answered by Steve Brine
Information on the exact number of patients receiving treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is not collected. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children estimates that the annual prevalence is approximately 4,000 cases per million of the population.
The NICE clinical guideline set outs best practice for clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, care and support of people with the condition and supports commissioners to to plan services for local populations. NICE routinely reviews its guidance to ensure it reflects the latest available evidence, including international evidence. In spring 2017, NICE reviewed the CFS/ME guideline to assess whether new research on CCFS/ME would impact on the current guideline recommendations. This included looking at new evidence concerning diagnostic criteria. Having assessed the evidence, NICE published its provisional recommendation not to update the NICE guideline for consultation on 10 July for a period of two weeks. NICE’s final recommendation is expected in October 2017.
In terms of training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the UK within the context of the National Health Service and is a key part of general practitioner’s (GPs) qualifying exams.
Once fully qualified, clinicians are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by NICE.
The Department has made no assessment has been made of guidelines on CFS/ME published by health authorities in Canada and other countries.
Asked by: Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative - Shrewsbury and Atcham)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to provide doctors with up-to-date information on the treatment of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Answered by Steve Brine
Information on the exact number of patients receiving treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is not collected. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children estimates that the annual prevalence is approximately 4,000 cases per million of the population.
The NICE clinical guideline set outs best practice for clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, care and support of people with the condition and supports commissioners to to plan services for local populations. NICE routinely reviews its guidance to ensure it reflects the latest available evidence, including international evidence. In spring 2017, NICE reviewed the CFS/ME guideline to assess whether new research on CCFS/ME would impact on the current guideline recommendations. This included looking at new evidence concerning diagnostic criteria. Having assessed the evidence, NICE published its provisional recommendation not to update the NICE guideline for consultation on 10 July for a period of two weeks. NICE’s final recommendation is expected in October 2017.
In terms of training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the UK within the context of the National Health Service and is a key part of general practitioner’s (GPs) qualifying exams.
Once fully qualified, clinicians are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by NICE.
The Department has made no assessment has been made of guidelines on CFS/ME published by health authorities in Canada and other countries.
Asked by: Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative - Shrewsbury and Atcham)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to update NICE guidelines for the treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Answered by Steve Brine
Information on the exact number of patients receiving treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is not collected. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): Diagnosis and management of CFS/ME in adults and children estimates that the annual prevalence is approximately 4,000 cases per million of the population.
The NICE clinical guideline set outs best practice for clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, care and support of people with the condition and supports commissioners to to plan services for local populations. NICE routinely reviews its guidance to ensure it reflects the latest available evidence, including international evidence. In spring 2017, NICE reviewed the CFS/ME guideline to assess whether new research on CCFS/ME would impact on the current guideline recommendations. This included looking at new evidence concerning diagnostic criteria. Having assessed the evidence, NICE published its provisional recommendation not to update the NICE guideline for consultation on 10 July for a period of two weeks. NICE’s final recommendation is expected in October 2017.
In terms of training, the General Medical Council sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that new United Kingdom medical graduates must be able to demonstrate and Royal Medical Colleges, such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) set the standards for postgraduate medical education in general practice. General practice is where most patients with CFS/ME are likely to be managed, and the condition is identified as a key area of clinical knowledge in the RCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) content guide. The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins general practice in the UK within the context of the National Health Service and is a key part of general practitioner’s (GPs) qualifying exams.
Once fully qualified, clinicians are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by NICE.
The Department has made no assessment has been made of guidelines on CFS/ME published by health authorities in Canada and other countries.