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Clinician education and training
In a 2021 survey of 173 British Columbia healthcare professionals, clinicians identified a need for improved education, diagnostic pathways, clinical guidelines, referral resources, and practical support tools for ME.
This page brings together free, evidence-informed educational resources to support clinicians caring for patients with ME, Long COVID, fibromyalgia, and related conditions.
In the 2021 survey of 173 BC healthcare professionals:
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80% of BC clinicians reported only moderate to no knowledge of ME
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44% reported no confidence diagnosing ME
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53% reported not being confident about treating it.
In the Society’s 2025 survey of over 1000 BC patients:
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75% reported healthcare workers with little, no, incorrect, or outdated knowledge of ME, FM, and Long COVID
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95% stated more knowledgeable healthcare workers as number 1 or 2 priority for improved care
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Of respondents reporting a positive healthcare experience, 85% listed knowledgeable practitioners as the main cause.
Knowledgeable providers are strongly associated with positive outcomes (85%+).
Clinician continuing education, guidelines and training
New to ME or Long COVID? Start Here!
A free interactive continuing professional development (CPD) module developed by the ME Association and StudyPRN. It provides a practical overview of diagnosis, post-exertional malaise, symptom management, and common challenges faced by patients.
Covers:
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Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
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Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
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Clinical assessment
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Symptom management
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Comorbidities
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Benefits and support documentation
Recommended for:
Family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and clinicians new to ME and Long COVID.
Free continuing education modules developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Covers:
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Diagnosis
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Differential diagnosis
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Management strategies
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Post-exertional malaise
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Clinical case studies
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ME/CFS in the context of COVID-19
Recommended for:
Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals seeking accredited continuing education and practical clinical guidance.
Educational resources from a leading clinical and research centre focused on ME/CFS, Long COVID, dysautonomia, and related illnesses.
Covers:
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Diagnostic workup
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ME/CFS and Long COVID management
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Orthostatic intolerance and POTS
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Symptom management
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Functional impairment
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Disability considerations
Recommended for:
Clinicians seeking more advanced education on ME, Long COVID, dysautonomia, orthostatic intolerance, and symptom management.
A provider resource hub with clinical tools, webinars, and educational materials.
Covers:
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ME/CFS diagnosis
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Long COVID overlap
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Post-exertional malaise
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Clinical management
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Coding and documentation
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Research updates
Recommended for:
Primary care providers, specialists, trainees, and healthcare professionals seeking accessible clinical tools, webinars, and current research summaries.
One of the most influential modern evidence-based guidelines for ME/CFS.
Covers:
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Diagnosis and assessment
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Post-exertional malaise
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Energy management and pacing
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Symptom management
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Severe and very severe ME
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Shared decision-making
Key recommendations:
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Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) should not be offered as a treatment for ME.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be offered as supportive care but should not be presented as a cure.
Recommended for:
All healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing, managing, or developing care pathways for ME.
Supporting patients for disability and other benefits
Support with disability benefits, workplace accommodations, tax credits, insurance claims, housing supports, and other assistance programs emerged as one of the most frequently discussed unmet needs in the ME|FM Society of BC's 2025 patient survey.
Many patients reported difficulty finding healthcare providers who were familiar with documenting functional impairment, describing the impact of post-exertional malaise, or completing benefit and insurance applications.
The following resources may be helpful for patients and clinicians navigating these systems:
Provides information and advocacy related to:
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BC Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits
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CPP Disability (CPP-D)
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
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Appeals and advocacy
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Income and disability-related supports
Information on:
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Disability assistance
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Eligibility requirements
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Health supplements
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Transportation supports
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Related provincial programs
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Information on multiple programs, including:
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Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
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Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
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Federal disability supports
A final note on continuing education
ME, Long COVID, fibromyalgia, and related illnesses remain areas of rapidly evolving research and clinical practice. We encourage healthcare professionals to explore the resources above, stay current with emerging evidence, and incorporate patient-centred, evidence-informed approaches into care.
Questions, suggestions, or additional educational resources? Contact the ME|FM Society of BC.
