AHMF: 98 Conference: Cox

In-patients with Severe CFS: Demographic and Treatment Outcomes

Diane L Cox [1] and Professor Leslie J Findley [2 ]

1 Head Occupational Therapist & Co-ordinator of the CFS Service
2 Consultant Neurologist, CFS Diagnostic & Management Service
Essex Centre for Neurological Sciences
Oldchurch Hospital
Romford
Essex RM7 OBE
UK

The CFS Service within Havering Hospitals has been a dedicated service since 1994, however we have been admitting patients for assessment and treatment since 1990 of varying levels of ability from mild to very severe.

27 of the 300 in-patients have fulfilled our criteria for the very severe category i.e. the patient will be unable to mobilise or carry out any daily task for themselves and will be Bedridden the majority of the time. 6 of the 27 have been discharged with alternative diagnoses ranging from Multiple Sclerosis to Psychological disorder.

There are currently no studies looking at the difference between the levels of dysfunction seen in CFS. This descriptive paper is anticipated to form the basis of more detailed study. The paper will outline the demographic details of the 27 very severe inpatients and their varying responses to treatment, our specific approach to treatment and management, and discuss possible perpetuating factors.