Title
Therapeutic approaches to fibromyalgia in the Netherlands: A comparison between 1998 and 2005
Author
Kroese, M.E.A.L.
Schulpen, G.J.C.
Sonneveld, H.M.
Vrijhoef, H.J.M.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2008
Abstract
Rationale: In this study, information was gathered from five disciplines on their usual management methods for fibromyalgia (FM) in order to asses whether treatment regimens have changed in the Netherlands during a period of 6 years. In addition, insight was gained into the therapeutic motives of the professionals. Method: A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 150 persons per discipline: general practitioners (GPs), rheumatologists (RMTs), rehabilitation specialists (RS), physical therapists and psychologists. Results: The overall response rate was 40.4%. The referral behaviour changed (significantly), especially between GPs and RMTs. An increased choice for aerobic exercise (RS: P = 0.023) and multidisciplinary therapy (RMT: P = 0.046) was found. RMTs and RS showed decreased medication prescribing (RMT: P = 0.024). Preferences of treatment for FM differ per discipline. The choice is principally made on the basis of subjective, professional group-bound factors. Particularly for GPs, dynamic patient factors are an important motive in the management of FM. Conclusions: Despite the fact that most changes found are in conformity with the literature, the absolute application percentages of recommended therapies are still very low. The differences in practice between the several disciplines seem explicable on the basis of the factors that have a prominent role in the choice of a therapy for FM. This study underlines the need for further research into methods and processes of the management of FM, and their clinical effectiveness. An effective way of dissemination, especially of guidelines, is essential. © 2008 The Authors.
Subject
General practitioner
Management
Rehabilitation specialist
Rheumatologist
Analgesic agent
Antidepressant agent
Aerobic exercise
Behavior change
Clinical assessment
Controlled study
Information
Physiotherapist
Prescription
Professional competence
Psychologist
Questionnaire
Rheumatology
Statistical significance
Therapy effect
Fibromyalgia
Health Care Surveys
Humans
National Health Programs
Netherlands
Physician's Practice Patterns
Physician-Patient Relations
Referral and Consultation
Specialties, Medical
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2753.2007.00862.x
TNO identifier
240729
ISSN
1356-1294
Source
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 14 (2), 321-325
Document type
article