Linking Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction to Performance Improvement in the Management of Fibromyalgia- Despite recognition as a clinical diagnosis with established criteria by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), approval of medications by the FDA for treatment of the disorder, and acceptance of the diagnosis by insurers as reimbursable, fibromyalgia syndrome continues to carry the stigma of a "psychosomatic" disorder by some skeptics in the medical community. As a result, fibromyalgia remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Clinicians who treat patients with fibromyalgia can improve clinical screening and assessment through the use of standardized tools. They further need to expand treatment options to include a multimodal approach to management.
Recognize the stigma related to fibromyalgia and the role of the patient-provider relationship in improving diagnosis, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Implement the use of a validated assessment tool such as the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to measure impact of symptoms, functional ability, and treatment progress. Use a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to treatment that addresses patient expectations and individualizes treatment needs.
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Expires 7/31/12