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Consulting patients in setting priorities in myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) research: Findings from a national on-line survey

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Lisa Robinson, Emerita Professor Julia Newton

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2015 Childs et al.Background: The aim of this work was to involve patients in setting future priorities for myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) research. Methods: A national on-line survey was developed collecting structured and unstructured data. Respondents were asked what they considered Action for M.E.’s first, second and third research priorities to be from a list of 13 pre-defined options. Individuals were also invited to provide any additional free text comments about Action for M.E.’s research priorities in general. A total of 1144 individuals completed the on-line survey. Respondents were asked to indicate if: they had M.E. (n = 822; 90.4 %); were a supporting a member of Action for M.E. (n = 94; 10.3 %); carer for someone with M.E. (n = 66;7.3 %), professional with an interest in M.E. (n = 26;2.9 %); or had a family member or colleague with M.E. (n = 136;15 %). Individuals were able to select more than one category as applicable. Results: The top five research priorities identified by the respondents were: disease processes to achieve a better understanding of the underlying pathology of M.E.; more effective treatments; faster and more accurate diagnosis; clinical course of M.E.; outcomes and prognosis; and severely affected patients. The lower research priorities identified were: sleep; economic research towards identifying the cost of ME for individuals and society; and psychological aspects. Much of the unstructured data provided by respondents emphasised the importance of funding biomedical research into disease processes to achieve a better understanding of the underlying pathology of M.E. Three themes were identified in relation to this topic: accurate diagnosis and awareness; risk factors and causes; drug development and curative therapies. Conclusions: Individuals affected by M.E. have clear views regarding the most important priorities for research investment. These tended to focus on disease processes to achieve a better understanding of the underlying pathology of M.E. and have been used to inform Action for M.E.’s ongoing research strategy.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Childs N, Robinson L, Chowdhury S, Ogden C, Newton JL

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Research Involvement and Engagement

Year: 2015

Volume: 1

Online publication date: 28/09/2015

Acceptance date: 08/09/2015

Date deposited: 24/06/2019

ISSN (electronic): 2056-7529

Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-015-0011-x

DOI: 10.1186/s40900-015-0011-x

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