ArticleBJGP open2025
Patient experiences of remote consulting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia: a qualitative study.
Article in BJGP open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- REMOTE-Neuro: co-produced recommendations to optimise remote neurology.BMJ neurology open · 2026Article
- 'It gives a sense of purpose': a survey exploring GP registrars' views on relational continuity of care.BJGP open · 2025Article
- Trends and Hotspots in the Health Economics Evaluation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare · 2024Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundRemote and digital consulting in primary care has rapidly expanded since March 2020. It is important to understand patient experiences, particularly for those living with complex long-term conditions, to identify how care can best be delivered, including within the remote space.
aimTo explore the experiences of people living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia when consulting remotely in primary care. DESIGN &
settingSemi-structured interviews with patients living with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia in general practice in England.
methodSemi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 participants. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically according to a Foucauldian theoretical framework.
resultsAll participants highlighted needing to feel believed by clinicians. Many reported difficulties with telephone and online consulting owing to the lack of physical communication. Positive outcomes were reported when there was a good relationship with a clinician. Continuity in care and recognising the complexity of these conditions were also considered important.
conclusionThis study allowed people living with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia to describe their experiences when consulting remotely. Participants highlighted needing to feel listened to and felt they benefited from an ongoing relationship with a clinician although this was difficult to achieve when consulting remotely. Some advantages of remote consulting were reported, particularly when symptoms were troublesome. Flexible access systems, with a range of consultation modalities or preferred clinician(s) availability, could improve healthcare encounters, particularly given the increased use of remote consulting in primary care.
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Registered trials
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