Investigating undergraduate medical education on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18573/bsdj.308Keywords:
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME/CFS, Medical students, educationAbstract
Background and Objectives: ME/CFS is a poorly understood, highly stigmatised condition which significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. ME/CFS had been identified as a gap in many health professionals’ knowledge, therefore this research aims to explore the understanding of ME/CFS amongst UK medical students. Methods: An online survey developed using Redcap was distributed to participants who were recruited via social media or via medical societies' emails. The participants were undergraduate UK medical students. Results: 94 students completed the survey from more than 16 medical schools. 35% of the students did not know what ME/CFS is and 88% say that the disease has not been covered in their course so far. 89% of participants would like to learn more about ME/CFS, specifically through elearning and videos. Discussion: Participants were generally unaware of ME/CFS and its symptoms and had not received relevant teaching or exposure to the disease. Education on ME/CFS within undergraduate UK medical schools is currently inadequate and the interest expressed by students in this survey demonstrates a new teaching opportunity for UK medical schools.Downloads
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