Chronic fatigue syndrome

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The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php This practice profile is based on NS631 Burns D et al (2012) Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis. Nursing Standard. 26, 25, 48-56. As a nurse practitioner working in a GP surgery, I often encounter patients who complain of feeling ‘tired all the time’. On listening to patients, it becomes evident why excessive fatigue has occurred in some cases. In others, no specific diagnosis can be made, and patients are reassured that all is normal and they should return if the fatigue continues. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis is difficult to diagnose early. The learning zone article on CFS was thought-provoking, resulting in a greater understanding of the effects of the illness on the patient and enhanced support for patients with CFS. An early diagnosis of CFS/ME can be useful, as prompt intervention can improve patient outcome. Anecdotal evidence suggests that patients rarely return to the GP surgery with unexplained fatigue, and when they do, patients often appear with other symptoms and are searching for a diagnosis that will explain their inability to work or study. By not actively following up on patients who have reported unexplained fatigue, it is possible that I have delayed potential diagnoses of CFS.