Results of a multidisciplinary program for patients with fibromyalgia implemented in the primary care

Abstract

Purpose. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of unknown origin with a high prevalence. Multimodal approaches seem to be the treatment of choice in fibromyalgia. A multidisciplinary program was developed and implemented for patients with fibromyalgia in the primary care setting. The program included education (seven sessions) and physical therapy (25 sessions).

Method. Patients were referred to the program by their general practitioner or by a medical specialist. A prospective non-controlled treatment study was performed, patients were evaluated before, after and three months after the program (single group time series design). The following measurements were performed: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, RAND 36, the Pain Coping and Cognition List, the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia, two physical tests and a qualitative evaluation. Data of 65 patients with fibromyalgia were analysed, of whom 97% were female. The mean age was 44 and the mean duration of pain was nine years.

Results. Data of 65 patients with fibromyalgia were analysed, patients significantly improved on the domains feeling good, pain, fatigue, stiffness, quality of life, catastrophizing and on the physical tests.

Conclusion. The multidisciplinary program fibromyalgia implemented in primary care seems feasible and the results are promising.

Keywords:

• Fibromyalgia
• multidisciplinary program
• primary care
• non-controlled treatment study