• C Paul Van Wilgen, Ruben Ucles-Juarez, Denis Krutko, Yijun Li, Andrea Polli, Anwar Syed, Stefano Zampese, ReisFelipe J JFJJ0000-0002-9471-1174Pain in Motion International Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.PAIN - VUB Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Un, and Janine de Zeeuw.
• Transcare Transdisciplinary Pain Management Center, Groningen, The Netherlands.
• Pain Pract. 2024 Apr 1; 24 (4): 620626620-626.

ObjectivesHench introduced the fibromyalgia syndrome almost 50 years ago. In the meantime, the prevalence has increased, the clinical criteria have changed and the way we explain (chronic) pain has altered.DesignIn the current study, we conducted a worldwide survey in which we investigate whether medical doctors are familiar with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for fibromyalgia and, if so, whether these medical doctors adhere to the clinical guidelines following evidence-based treatments.ResultsIn total, 286 medical doctors from 43 countries spread over 6 continents filled out the survey. In most of the countries, the diagnosis fibromyalgia was used. Only 10% adhere to the ACR criteria, widespread pain (44%), unrefreshed sleep (24%), fatigue (20%) and cognitive problems (8%) were most used diagnostic criteria. Of the respondents, 94 (32%) mentioned that the cause is unknown or idiopathic, but also a wide variety of other causes was mentioned. More than 70 different treatment options were provided, of which 24% of the responses were classified as according to the clinical guidelines. From this study, we conclude that many medical doctors do not follow the ACR criteria; the majority has an inappropriate knowledge of causes for fibromyalgia and that a minority of treatment advice adhere to the guidelines.© 2023 World Institute of Pain.

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