Explaining a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in primary care

Abstract

Background & Purpose:
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in the UK, with a huge individual and societal impact. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia remains a difficult concept for patients and clinicians to understand, often resulting in difficult therapeutic relationships. The communication of a fibromyalgia diagnosis is recognised to be of vital importance to aid the recommended treatment modalities.
This work aims to explore:
1) How an explanation of a fibromyalgia diagnosis is best provided in primary care
2) How GPs working in NI educate their patients on a fibromyalgia diagnosis
3) GPs experiences of conducting fibromyalgia consultations, and identify barriers GPs encounter when facilitating care.

Methodology:
A mixed-methods approach was used: a scoping review on how an explanation of a fibromyalgia diagnosis is provided in primary care, and a qualitative study exploring GP’s perspectives and experiences.

Results:
The scoping review identified key themes when explaining a diagnosis of fibromyalgia including; Patient Education, Physician Education, Importance of the Multidisciplinary Team, Importance of Patient Centred Care, Value of Primary Care, and Useful Resources. The qualitative study identified two key themes; ‘Clinicians’ Perceptions, Knowledge and Uncertainties,’ and ‘The Availability and Utilisation of Resources.’

Discussion & Conclusions:
This research has resulted in a method by which fibromyalgia can be explained in primary care. The explanation should emphasise a non-destructive process and a description of pain sensitisation can help patients to accept their diagnosis, and motivate them to engage with treatment. A multidisciplinary method, focussed on a patient-centred approach, has the potential to provide the best outcomes and highest patient satisfaction. There was a heterogeneity of doctors’ understanding and beliefs regarding fibromyalgia. A consistent theme in this work was the need for more education for GPs, and more resources in the community setting to aid primary care health professionals and their patients.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.

Date of Award	Jul 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	General Practice Academic Research Training Scheme (GPARTS) & HSC Research & Development Northern Ireland
Supervisor	Nigel Hart (Supervisor) & Neil Heron (Supervisor)