Dr Baumgarten stated that ME consists of many complex symptoms and that it is important that the
patient is treated by specialists who are most relevant in relation to their
condition. Dr Baumgarten believes that one needs to rule out
other
illnesses before diagnosing ME.
A multidisciplinary team at Ullevål University Hospital in Oslo is
going to guide these patients and follow up on the health of these patients. The
centre has also staff who will visit the most severely ill ME patients at home.
International studies show that up to 25% of all ME patients do not leave
their homes to see a doctor. There are different degrees of severity for the
illness which affects between 8-15000 people in Norway.
In Norway there are 50-100 bedbound ME patients. General
Practitioners can refer patients to be examined either at the clinic or by an
ambulant team from the Ullevål University Hospital which will go to the
patient’s home.
Fully evaluated patients are then referred to relevant specialists
or management courses. The staff at the ME centre consists of specialists in
infectious diseases, general practitioner, occupational therapist, social
worker, nutritionist and a project consultant.
Dr Baumgarten's team uses the Canadian
Guidelines to clinically diagnose ME patients.
The centre also advises general practitioners and care and social
workers in the area where the patient lives so that they can take over the
follow up of patients.
