Learn about ME

This series of podcast episodes complement the CPD accredited module on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), originally developed by Dr Nina Muirhead with the UK ME Research Collaborative. The module was updated in January 2023 in partnership with Doctors with ME and drawing on international expertise. The podcasts and the CPD module are relevant to GPs and other health and social care professionals treating not just M.E. but Long COVID too. The CPD module is free, available anytime online and offers 1 CPD point. It normally takes less than an hour to complete and is based on case studies and the latest biomedical evidence. Each question offers further reading to develop and increase knowledge. You can access this free module here: https://www.studyprn.com/p/chronic-fatigue-syndrome

IMPORTANT Learn about M.E. podcasts contain general information about ME/CFS shared by professionals and individuals with lived experience. This is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Any symptom management approach must be considered on a case-by-case basis by an experienced medical professional.

All Episodes

Learn about ME

Episode 11 - Learn about ME and Occupational Therapy

May 20, 2024 • Action for M.E.

In this, the eleventh episode in our Learn About ME podcast series, we discuss how Occupational Therapy can support people living with Long Covid and M.E. Our guests are Katie Davies, Occupational Therapy Team Lead in NHS Grampian; and Corinne, a patient with Long Covid.

To avoid potential harms by energy management being wrongly applied, the 2021 NICE guideline for ME/CFS recommends that, “in specific circumstances, people with ME/CFS should be referred to a physiotherapist or Therapist (OT) in an ME/CFS specialist team.”

OTs can uncover the relationship between the challenges people face, their environment and the daily activities they need and want to carry out.

The podcast highlights the importance of taking a person-centred approach and being flexible from the beginning, with practical tips based on experience.

Corrine talks about the difference occupational therapy made to her, including supporting with pacing, while Katie highlights the need for OTs to understand post exertional malaise (PEM) and how it impacts in ME/CFS and Long Covid, triggered by the smallest amount of activity (physical, cognitive, emotional).

Any healthcare professional can learn more about ME/CFS and the vital adjustments the people may need in consultations and support services by taking Dr Nina Muirhead’s free 60-minute Learna CPD module.