Work has started on preparing this guidance, with a remit to: “prepare guidance on the assessment, diagnosis, management and adjustment and coping, symptom management, and the use of rehabilitation strategies geared towards optimising functioning and achieving greater independence for adults and children with CFS/ME”.

NICE support the role of healthcare professionals in providing care in partnership with patients, taking account of their individual needs and preferences and ensuring that patients (and their carers and families, where appropriate) can make informed decisions about their care and treatment.
As the management of CFS/ME depends on a correct diagnosis, the guideline will include recommendations about the process of assessment leading to a diagnosis, this will include

A clinical case definition
Appropriate timing for diagnosis
Appropriate use of laboratory tests, imaging and other tests

A first “scoping” document has been prepared giving full details of what will and will not be covered and is out for consultation. A range of methods to collate evidence and information to form the guidance will be undertaken over the next two years. Full details and progress reports will be available on

http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/Final_scope_CFS_ME.pdf

Invitations were extended to include three patient representatives on the guidance development group. Chief Executive of ME North East applied for one of these vacancies but was not successful. There were over 50 applications and the elected representatives are;
Richard Eddleston – Nottingham
Ms Tanya Harrison – Norfolk
Ms Ute Elliot - Sheffield
We will keep you up to date with progress on the guidance in our newsletter.
We will be included in the consultation process (and will be guided by your comments). We will of course let you know when and how we will participate.