Today, there are a number of options for medical providers to learn more about ME/CFS. For US providers, the approved continuing medical education (CME) courses on ME/CFS below represent a good introduction to the illness. The majority of these courses are general in scope and may be useful to clinicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare providers. Other courses are specific to ME/CFS in those under age 18 and are designed for pediatricians, physical therapists, and school-based providers. (Note: the descriptions of the CME courses below include quoted text as listed on the CME provider site).
The section “Other Educational Resources” contains non-CME evidence-based educational resources created by experts in the field. Examples of such resources may include educational videos on topics such as post-exertional malaise or upon those who are severely ill with ME/CFS, while other resources may provide education through presentation of clinical cases.
For those interested in learning more, please contact the ME/CFS Clinician Coalition. Our clinical experts are excited to review individual cases with you and even to set up opportunities for shadowing or other experiential learning. We welcome any and all levels of experience, expertise, and professional backgrounds and would love to work with you to provide an experience that best fits your interests and needs.
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Continuing Medical Education Courses
Other Educational Resources
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION COURSES
GENERAL CME FOR PHYSICIANS, NURSES, OTHERS
DIAGNOSING MYALGIC
ENCEPHALOMYELITIS/CHRONIC FATIGUE
SYNDROME: THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN
Presented by: Drs. Lucinda Bateman, Natalie Azar, Nancy Klimas, and José Montoya
Provided by: Medscape.
Description: “The goal of this activity is to increase recognition of symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) by use of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) diagnostic criteria when assessing patients with chronic fatigue.”
For whom: This activity is intended for primary care physicians as well as specialist providers across the medical field. For physicians – 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. For RNs and APNs – 0.50 contact hour(s).
The course is free. Expires 2/26/2021
For more information:
UPDATE ON CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA AND UNITING COMPASSION, ATTENTION AND INNOVATION TO TREAT ME/CFS
Provided by: The Michigan State Medical Society
Description: This is a 2-part CME. The first module is intended to help medical providers identify the core diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS and to confidently diagnose ME/CFS in their clinical practices. The evidence-based data supporting the inclusion and use of these diagnostic criteria will be reviewed as part of this module. The second module is designed to help medical providers recognize treatable aspects of ME/CFS and to create effective management plans in the absence of formal treatment guidelines. This module will focus on the core diagnostic criteria, and common co-morbid conditions amenable to physiological modifications, behavioral modifications, and treatment.
For whom: “The Michigan State Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.” Each module earns a maximum of .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
The course is free. Expires January 31, 2022.
For more information:
Update on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Part 1: Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/CFS now called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS
POST-VIRAL SYNDROME AND MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (ME/CFS): WHAT EVERY CLINICIAN NEEDS TO KNOW
Presented by: Dr. David Kaufman
Provided by: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Clinical Education Initiative (CEI), a New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute program
Description: This course discusses ME/CFS in the context of viral pandemics and other viral infections and the need for clinicians to provide care for these patients. It summarizes the common symptoms and diagnostic criteria, including the hallmark post-exertional malaise, and discusses the importance of considering ME/CFS and its common comorbidities in the differential diagnosis. It then describes helpful strategies to manage symptoms.
For whom: Health care provides. The University of Rochester designates this course for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
The course is free. Registration is required. Expires 9/30/2023.
For more information:
UNREST, A FILM ABOUT ME/CFS WITH A TUTORIAL ON DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ME/CFS
Presented by: Unrest, the film, directed by Jen Brea. Tutorial presented by Dr. David Kaufman
Provided by: American Medical Women’s Association and Indiana University School Of Medicine
Description: Unrest, a film documentary, was created by Jennifer Brea, a Harvard PhD candidate, who was afflicted by and eventually disabled by ME/CFS. The film documents the experiences of Ms. Brea and of others with ME/CFS as they struggled with receiving a diagnosis of ME/CFS, searched for access to effective medical care in a healthcare environment with notable limitations in this realm, and fought against social stigmatization, personal isolation, and a lack of knowledge understanding within their communities. Providers can receive CMEs for watching the film and the accompanying 12 minute video featuring Dr. David Kaufman.
For whom: For US healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, who will receive 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 2.0 Category I CEU as outlined by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board.
The CME is free. Expires 09/11/2021.
This film may also serve as a useful resource to patients, families, and friends of those with ME/CFS or struggling with a poorly-defined or undiagnosed illness.
For more information:
MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: TEST YOUR STRENGTHS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE
Authored by: Dr. Nancy Klimas
Provided by: Medscape
Description: “The goal of this activity is to assess physician knowledge of diagnosing and managing patients with ME/CFS.” This is done as a self-assessment of learning needs related to evaluating and managing patients with ME/CFS.
For whom: This activity is intended for primary care physicians, pediatricians, subspecialists, and other clinicians who manage people with ME/CFS. Provides a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and up to 0.25 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. RNs and APNs are awarded 0.25 contact hour(s) of continuing nursing education.
The CME is free. Expires 1/15/2022.
For more information:
MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: A CASE-BASED LEARNING MODULE
Authored by: Dr. Stephen Gluckman
Provided by: Medscape
Description: The goal of this activity is to utilize case-based presentations to bolster clinicians’ knowledge in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS.
For whom: This activity is intended for primary care physicians, subspecialist providers, nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians assistants (PA’s), and other healthcare providers (HCPs) involved in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS. Provides up to 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and “1.50 contact hour(s) of continuing nursing education for RNs and APNs.”
The CME is free. Expires April 23, 2021.
For more information:
CME ABOUT ME/CFS IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WHY CAN’T THIS CHILD GET TO CLASS? LEARN HOW
ME/CFS KEEPS YOUTH FROM ATTENDING SCHOOL
Presented by: Dr. Peter Rowe and Lisa Hall, RN.
Provided by: Northeastern University School of Nursing and Massachusetts ME/CFS Association.
Description: ME/CFS can cause a level of disability that “keeps afflicted children from attending school for months or even years at a time.” This CME describes the prevalence and nature of the illness, the impact of ME/CFS on a child’s education and quality of life, treatment options, and the role of a school nurse in assisting these children . The course also includes interviews with two parents of children with ME/CFS.
For whom: This course provides 3.25 contact hours for nurses and is “provided by Northeastern University School Health Academy, which operates within Northeastern University School of Nursing, an ANCC-Accredited Provider.”
The course costs $25.00. Expires: TBD
For more information:
MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: SCHOOL NURSES CAN IMPROVE OUTCOMES
Presented by: Beth Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN, Kenneth Friedman, PhD, and Faith Newton, EdD.
Provided by: National Association of School Nurses
Description: School nurses, “with knowledge of ME/CFS, are in a position to improve outcomes for students.” Experts in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS “provide school nurses with the knowledge and tools to help recognize ME/CFS in the student population. Resources will be provided to share with families, students, administrators and staff members. Resources and education [on ME/CFS] will permit early intervention, referral and diagnosis, treatment and academic accommodations.”
For whom: For registered nurses. 1.25 CNE.
The course is free. Expires 10/21/2022
For more information:
CME FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
ME/CFS for Physical Therapists: Introduction, Identification, Etiology, and Management
Presented by: Dr. Todd Davenport, Dr. Mark VanNess, and Ms. Staci Stevens
Provided by: Medbridge
Description: “This two-part series provides the opportunity for attendees to receive the latest information in recognition, etiology, and analeptic management of patients with ME/CFS” from a panel of established physical therapy researchers and clinicians. Part 1 provides background on the clinical features and objective evidence of exercise impairments. Part 2 discusses results of exercise testing and use of energy conservation (sometimes referred to as pacing), self-management strategies, and analeptic strategies for ME/CFS
For whom: For physical therapists
Each part costs $100 or is by subscription. No expiration specified
For more information:
OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
ME/CFS CLINICAL CASES: PRESENTATION AND KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
Authored by: Dr. Nina Muirhead
Provided by: StudyPRN, a UK organization that provides continuing professional development courses for UK healthcare providers.
Description: This free module is composed of 10 clinical cases that provide insight into the nature of ME/CFS, how it impacts patients and how it’s diagnosed. While developed for UK providers, this can be accessed by providers in other countries as well. UK medical providers can earn 1 CPD hour.
For more information:
VIDEOS: POST-EXERTIONAL MALAISE
Presented by: Dr. Luis Nacul, Dr Christopher Snell, Ms. Staci Stevens, Prof Mark VanNess, Prof Todd Davenport, Dr Nina Muirhead, Dr Nigel Speight, Dr David Systrom, Dr Charles Shepherd
Provided by: Dialogues for a Neglected Illness, a UK Wellcome Public Engagement Fund Project.
Description: Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the hallmark clinical feature of ME/CFS. Recognition of PEM is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis but can be easily missed. In two videos, ME/CFS experts describe PEM – what it is, how it impacts patients, and what is known about the underlying pathophysiology behind this distinctive phenomenon.
The two videos include a 5 minute video entitled “A Quick Guide to PEM” and a 15 minute video entitled “Understanding PEM”
For more information:
VIDEOS: ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE
Description: The National Academy of Medicine found that orthostatic intolerance (OI) is highly prevalent in ME/CFS. OI is measurable, and the ability to identify and manage OI can greatly improve patient outcomes and daily functioning. These six minute videos describe the methods used to assess, treat and manage OI.
Part 1 discusses ways to assess and measure orthostatic intolerance. Part 2 discusses interventions and management. Each video is 6 minutes long.
For more information:
VIDEOS: SEVERE ME/CFS
Provided by: Dialogues for a Neglected Illness, a UK Wellcome Public Engagement Fund Project.
Description: ME/CFS has a spectrum of symptom severity that ranges from those who retain the ability to work with appropriate accommodations and spans all the way to individuals who remain entirely bed bound and rely on others for basic survival including eating and toileting. These two videos describe the symptoms and level of impairment seen in severe and very severe ME/CFS and provide recommendations for tailoring clinical care in these particular cases.
For more information: