The aim of a study by Goudsmit and colleagues was to determine the efficacy of an outpatient, multi-component program developed for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Twenty-two patients were assessed before and after six months of treatment. Findings were compared with 22 individuals on the waiting list. The program offered medical care as well as information and counseling to help patients to understand, accept, and cope with their illness. At six months, there were significant differences between the groups for fatigue, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Overall, 82% of the treated patients reported feeling better, and 23% had improved to such a degree that they were discharged from the clinic. The gains were maintained at twelve months.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that their program was both helpful and acceptable, and may provide a useful first-line intervention for many patients with CFS. They suggested that short, pragmatic programs might be as effective as cognitive-behavior therapy.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: The program was beneficial to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Rather than suggest that it may be more effective than cognitive-behavior therapy, it is suggested that more components from the latter therapies--there undoubtedly were some elements already in the program--be added to future trials.

EM Goudsmit et al. Learning to cope with chronic illness. Efficacy of a multi-component treatment for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patient Education & Counseling, July 1, 2009.
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