NICE announces roundtable to discuss myalgic encephalomyelitis

After the pause to the publication of the guideline about myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced to hold a roundtable on the subject in September.

The key motive of this event is to better understand the issues raised and garner support for the guideline to ensure effective implementation.

The meeting will have an independent chair along with representatives from patient organisations and charities, relevant professional societies, NHS England and NHS Improvement, NICE and the guideline committee.

NICE had paused the planned publication of its updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis on August 17 to deal with concerns raised by professionals ahead of its publication.

In a statement issued on August 17, NICE said, “Because of issues raised during the pre-publication period with the final guideline, we need to take time to consider next steps.

Paul Chrisp, director for the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said: “Our aim throughout this process has been to use the best available evidence as well as the lived experience of people with ME/CFS to address and resolve the continuing debate about the best approach to treating people living with this debilitating condition.

“We remain optimistic that we can reach a way forward to publish a guideline that will have the support of people living with ME/CFS, the people who care for them and the professionals who treat them.”