Emerge Australia has partnered with ThinkGP to produce a two-part, RACGP accredited online education series. These modules are based on best-practice clinical information to assist health professionals to accurately diagnose and support patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
The two, one-hour modules are each worth 1 x CPD hour (RACGP), linked to ‘Educational activities’, or 1pt ACCRM, on completion. Registered health professionals can enrol to complete the modules for free here.
Module 1: Busting the myths and redefining myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
ME/CFS is a complex, chronic, debilitating disease with systemic effects, which is estimated to affect up to 250,000 Australians. This module aims to educate GPs and others working in the primary care space about our evolving understanding of ME/CFS as an illness and looks at some of the myths surrounding diagnosis and treatment.
On completion of this education activity participants will be able to:
- Be aware of the latest developments in our understanding of the pathophysiology and resulting management of ME/CFS
- Understand the benefits for patients of timely diagnosis of ME/CFS
- Accurately diagnose ME/CFS based on the latest guideline recommendations
- Implement a coordinated treatment plan to effectively address ME/CFS in general practice
- Access and utilise tools and resources for optimising outcomes in patients with ME/CFS
Module 2: Ensuring a patient-centred approach to care for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Providing care for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) requires a patient-centred approach with a focus on quality of life and incorporating the multidisciplinary team.
This second module on ME/CFS provides detail on making a differential diagnosis, the non-core symptoms of ME/CFS, management in specific populations and the development of a patient-centred treatment plan.
On completion of this education activity participants will be able to:
- Evaluate and reconsider management of ME/CFS, based on the latest developments in our understanding of ME/CFS pathophysiology
- Identify exclusionary conditions, mimics and false diagnoses, to aid in the accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS
- Plan strategies for managing non-core symptoms of ME/CFS including gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological symptoms, and for managing specific populations with ME/CFS (i.e. the severely unwell, young patients and those undergoing surgery)
- Formulate a patient-centred treatment plan that accommodates the patient with ME/CFS in general practice
Coordinate a multidisciplinary team approach, as appropriate, to optimise outcomes in patients with ME/CFS
If you would like to learn more about the module’s content, get in touch with our Patient Support and Information Services team by contacting us here. If you are a healthcare professional, you can follow these links to Module 1 and Module 2. Members of the general public are discouraged from completing the training through ThinkGP as it impacts the accuracy of our module completion figures.
Help us to inform GPs and other healthcare practitioners about the education modules
You can share this information page with your GP and other healthcare practitioners to inform them about the modules and encourage them to complete them and build their knowledge of ME/CFS.
About ThinkGP
ThinkGP is Australia’s leading online continuing professional development (CDP) platform for health professionals. Education programs provided on ThinkGP are accredited by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Visit ThinkGP here.
