1. What is the decision or change (e.g. clinical topic, practice guideline, system design, delivery of care) you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?

We struggle with admission criteria to our Swingbed program in rural critical access hospital, for patient with diagnosis of M. E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

2. Why are you struggling with this issue?

Some Doctors find the M.E. patients presentation as faking, malingering, or the diagnosis does not exist, while other practitioners including our Physical Therapist recognize the functional deficits and comorbidities as pertinent for short term rehab, as well as the likely readmission and home discharge failure without the few weeks of STR. Although PT struggles without valid reliable test results due to the severity of her condition, as she is unable to tolerate the standard tests for POTS and her fatigue / capability levels fluctuate rapidly. We use Pain Neuroscience as a treatment model, but don't get physician or Interdisciplinary team support in this case.

3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?

Perhaps M.E. is a diagnosis for further best practice management research, and information sharing among healthcare professionals

4. When do you need the evidence report?

Thursday, 10/26/2022

5. What will you do with the evidence report?

Healthcare decisions on Swingbed / short term rehab admissions, and stay duration, as well as unity in those decisions on our Interdisciplinary team, would be great.

Optional Information About You

What is your role or perspective? Physical Therapist, and Director of Rehab Services (PT/OT/ST)

May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination? Yes