AWARENESS OF DIAGNOSTIC AND CLINICAL-FEATURES OF FIBROMYALGIA AMONG FAMILY PHYSICIANS

Objectives. The aim was to assess the awareness and knowledge of famil y physicians about diagnostic and clinical features of fibromyalgia sy ndrome (FS), and to evaluate the contribution of rheumatology educatio n to the improvement of this knowledge. Methods. A detailed questionna ire on FS was completed by 172 family physicians. A composite score, b ased on five items, was constructed to quantitatively assess knowledge of FS (maximum score of 5). A comparison was made between physicians exposed to extensive education on FS (in Beer Sheva medical centre) an d physicians without such exposure (in other centres). Results. Ninety -six per cent of the physicians claimed to be familiar with FS. They r ecognized most of the FS-related symptoms, but had limited knowledge o f the diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities and prognosis. Only 55 % knew that FS is associated with widespread pain and 25% were familia r with the point count criterion. Physicians trained in Beer Sheva sco red significantly higher than those trained elsewhere: 3.0 +/- 1.2 ver sus 2.4 +/- 1.2, respectively (P = 0.006), and their knowledge of FS t reatment was significantly better. Conclusion. Family physicians in Is rael are quite unfamiliar with the diagnostic criteria of FS, though e ducational exposure improves their awareness and knowledge.