How the Lived Experience of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis could inform Person-Centred Care and Practice of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals in Primary Care

Abstract

Aim Evidence from lived experiences of individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) hopes to inform standards of person-centred approaches for healthcare professionals to utilise in their care and treatment of patients with ME. Guiding experiences can retrieve knowledge and understanding of current opinions and emphasise the importance of person-centred care in practice to benefit all in healthcare. Methodology An exploratory design using an inductive process promotes the successful reconstruction of experiences to enhance current and future knowledge and understanding. Collaboration of interest through semi-structured interviews and focus groups develop shared values to integrate holistic and person-centered management to identify issues of interest from design to dissemination. Findings Existing opinions of ME and experiences of people with the condition have been fully discussed. Though unable to effectively improve practice alone, there are key aspects of care and understanding that can be built to improve confidence and clinical skills. Leading to flourishment of treatment and care, promoting awareness and gaining quality assurance and improvement. Key Messages Person-centred approaches benefit all involved in the care of ME. Creating opportunities to increase confidence and to question and evolve existing practice. Executing the application that knowledge and understanding are key to generating successful care and practice to improve the experiences of people with ME in primary care. But this is not without challenges of responsibility, care, knowledge, attitudes and communication. Key Words: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Person-Centred, Nursing, Primary Care, Education, Care.