Fibromyalgia Management for Primary Care Practitioners
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a primary chronic condition (classified in the WHO International Classification of Diseases: ICD-11 Version: 2019). Estimates are that as many as 1 million Australians (3-5%) experience this chronic condition.
Fibromyalgia management is patient-centred, Care Planning is individually tailored, and involves a multi-disciplinary care team.
General Practice Medicare Care planing assessments that address both the impact of the multiple symptoms and the lifestyle issues which arise from living with a highly debilitating complex chronic condition. Annual assessments and reviews are ongoing over multiple visits, to identify treatable symptoms and exclude other overlapping or evolving diagnosis towards stabilisation and rehabilitation. Additional services from psychologists and other approved providers can be accessed using a Mental Health Care plan (Item 271).
A comprehensive assessment to confirm diagnosis, predisposing factors and co-morbid conditions and to establish a baseline and risk factors.
The principle symptom of Fibromyalgia is widespread muscle and joint pain and the condition is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood as the symptoms can be similar to osteoarthritis, lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome for example.
Fibromyalgia management is directed by patient feedback, good communication and targeted problem solving towards an optimal combination of treatment therapies.
Management is a combination of pharmacological, non-pharmacological and lifestyle management.
Education and the acquisition of self-management skills are important. Engaging the patient in an interactive process, setting realistic goals and outcomes provides a structure for ongoing management.
As Fibromyalgia patients can be hypersensitive, medical and other interventions use a step-wise approach based on the principle of 'start slow, go slow' (Mayo, 2012).
In Australian General Practice primary care settings, Fibromyalgia patients benefit from early intervention including referrals to preventative and self management community programs available for all chronic conditions. These community programs include pain, exercise, nutrition, wellness and self management workshops.
The ongoing recommended regular reviews allow for patient feedback to aid the coordination of treatment towards optimal patient-centred care.
The following pages provide information and resources for bot providers and patients to improve the management of Fibromyalgia across Australia.
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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace informed medical advice. It contains information for educational purposes only.
Estimates are that as many as 1 million Australians experience this pain disorder.
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