Authors
Joachim Hermisson, Claudia Schreiner, Stefanie Weichselbaumer, Marlene Werner, Verena Hackl, Jacob Roth, Sandra Leiss, Anna Christina Maukner, Silvia Wojczewski, Astrid Hainzl, Sabine Hermisson, Kevin Thonhofer, Sabine Pleschberger, Kathryn Hoffmann
Published in
Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946). Jul 29, 2026. Epub Jul 29, 2026.
Abstract
Many patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have significant care needs. However, post-exertional malaise-the defining feature of ME/CFS-means that even minor physical, orthostatic, cognitive, or sensory stressors can trigger a disproportionate worsening of symptoms. This results in specific requirements and significant challenges in home care. Care is still provided predominantly by family caregivers, who frequently lack adequate assistance and support. At the same time, there are significant gaps in knowledge, care infrastructure, and professional guidance for nurses and other healthcare professionals, as well as physicians involved in providing care.
The objective of this guide is to structure care measures in a way that prevents overexertion and promotes stability.
The guide is based on a compilation of practice-oriented measures that have proven effective from the perspective of patients and family caregivers. These were professionally categorized and further developed by experts in nursing science, physical therapy, general medicine and public health.
The guide describes how to adapt key dimensions of care-from nutrition and personal hygiene to communication and managing emotional stress-to disease-specific exertion thresholds. Additionally, it outlines requirements for the caregiving relationship and the planning of home visits and discusses the application of palliative care principles.
PMID:
42525195
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Jul 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 7
- Comments 0