The Role of Prevention in Reducing the Economic Impact of ME/CFS in Europe: A Report from the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)

Medicina

DyfrigA. Hughes¹  Diana Araja²  Elenka Brenna³  Lara Gitto⁴  RachaelM. Hunter⁵  Dominic Trepel⁶  Uldis Berkis⁷  Jean-Dominique de Korwin⁸  John Cullinan⁹  DerekF. H. Pheby^1,10  Xia Wang-Steverding^1,11 

[1] Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2PZ, UK;Department of Dosage Form Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;Department of Economics and Finance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy;Department of Economics, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy;Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Royal Free Medical School, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;Global Brain Health Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland;Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;Internal Medicine Department, University of Lorraine, 34, Cours Léopold CS 25233, F-54052 Nancy, France;School of Business & Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe HP11 2JZ, UK;Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;

关键词: prevention;    economic impact;    chronic fatigue syndrome;    myalgic encephalomyelitis;    ME/CFS;   

DOI  :  10.3390/medicina57040388

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This report addresses the extent to which there may be scope for preventive programmes for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and, if so, what economic benefits may accrue from the implementation of such programmes. We consider the economic case for prevention programmes, whether there is scope for preventive programmes for ME/CFS, and what are the health and economic benefits to be derived from the implementation of such programmes. We conclude that there is little scope for primary prevention programmes, given that ME/CFS is attributable to a combination of host and environmental risk factors, with host factors appearing to be most prominent, and that there are few identified modifiable risk factors that could be the focus of such programmes. The exception is in the use of agricultural chemicals, particularly organophosphates, where there is scope for intervention, and where Europe-wide programmes of health education to encourage safe use would be beneficial. There is a need for more research on risk factors for ME/CFS to establish a basis for the development of primary prevention programmes, particularly in respect of occupational risk factors. Secondary prevention offers the greatest scope for intervention, to minimise diagnostic delays associated with prolonged illness, increased severity, and increased costs.

【 授权许可】

Unknown