The Department\u2019s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including fibromyalgia; it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. NIHR support for fibromyalgia research over the last five years includes £1.8 million funding for research projects; £0.6 million funding for clinical trials through the NIHR Clinical Research Network; and the NIHR has managed infrastructure supporting fibromyalgia research.<\/p>
<\/p>
Information on individual projects funded by the NIHR can be found at the following link:<\/p>
<\/p>
https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/<\/a><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4008", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage"}
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, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-10-15T14:29:28.667Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Fibromyalgia"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure the maintenance of funding for research into the field of fibromyalgia syndrome and its symptoms.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4602", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Wera Hobhouse"}
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, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/984795", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health and Social Care"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/984795/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Department is not directly responsible for developing or reviewing clinical guidance for identification and management of diseases and disorders. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence was established by the Government to develop evidence based best practice for the National Health Service. Other organisations, such as the clinical Royal Colleges, and charitable organisations also convene expert groups to develop guidance for health professionals.<\/p> <\/p> A range of support exists to help general practitioners (GPs) identify and manage fibromyalgia in primary care. This includes an e-learning course developed by the Royal College of GPs and Arthritis Research UK on musculoskeletal care, including fibromyalgia, and a medical guide developed by the Fibromyalgia Association UK (FMUK) for health professionals.<\/p> <\/p> People with fibromyalgia can usually be managed through routine access to primary or second care provide via a GP or consultant. Treatment will depend on the severity of a patient\u2019s condition, but may include pain relieving medication; physiotherapy; dietary and exercise advice; counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. For patients whose pain cannot be adequately controlled by routine access to NHS services, a referral may be made to a specialist pain service or specialist fibromyalgia clinic, such the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, subject to their having met certain criteria.<\/p> <\/p> Information for the public can be found on the NHS website and is also available in a patient\u2019s information guide produced by FMUK. The medical guide, patient information booklet and NHS choice webpage on fibromyalgia can be found at the following links:<\/p>
www.fmauk.org/dmdocuments/Medical%20Pack.pdf<\/a><\/p>
www.fmauk.org/information-packs-mainmenu-58/booklet-mainmenu-135/490-patient-booklet<\/a><\/p>