Cardiff University | Prifysgol Caerdydd ORCA
Online Research @ Cardiff 
WelshClear Cookie - decide language by browser settings

An evaluation of counselling and rehabilitation courses for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Thomas, Marie and Smith, Andrew Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8805-8028 2007. An evaluation of counselling and rehabilitation courses for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 7 (3) , pp. 164-171. 10.1080/14733140701526294

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the services offered by Action for ME to sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome using measures developed and validated in previous research. Preliminary studies had suggested that clients attending rehabilitation residential courses were benefiting from the service. A further, more in-depth evaluation process with a greater number of health-related outcome measures was warranted. In addition, assessment was widened to include other services offered to sufferers of the illness. Data relating to the usefulness and success of the services (rated by the clients) were also collected. Data from client volunteers were collected at baseline (that is, before intervention) and approximately six months later. Quantitative comparative analyses were conducted using within-group comparisons to assess any improvements in scores at six-month follow-up from baseline. Fifty-six participants completed wide-ranging questionnaires assessing illness history, psychopathology, psychosocial factors and health and well-being. Data relating to improvements in illness status and acceptability of treatment were also collected by means of global outcome measures. Both the counselling and residential groups showed improvements in many areas assessed at follow-up. Most importantly, improvements were indicated in areas such as fatigue and the levels of disability suffered by patients. In addition, there were significant improvements in ratings of mood, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms. Overall, clients reported satisfaction with the care received and most found the services useful. All of the participants who completed the evaluation stated that they would recommend Action for ME services to fellow sufferers. The outcome of the current study is encouraging. The data presented provides evidence of the high level of support and advice Action for ME offers to sufferers of this illness. Furthermore, measurable improvements in scores relating to illness status were accompanied by improvements in mental health and psychosocial variables in the patient group.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Psychology
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Uncontrolled Keywords: Chronic fatigue syndrome, action for ME, residential rehabilitation courses, counselling services
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISSN: 1473-3145
Last Modified: 20 Oct 2022 09:38
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/32685

Citation Data

Cited 4 times in Scopus. View in Scopus. Powered By Scopus® Data

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item Edit Item