Short-Term Assessment of Fibromyalgia Experiences (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Short-Term Dynamics of Symptoms and Experiences in Fibromyalgia: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
IRAS ID
370119
Contact name
Charlotte Krahé
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a long-term condition characterised by a range of symptoms, including widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional and cognitive difficulties. It affects around 1 in 20 people in the UK and often has a significant impact on daily life. Because there are no visible signs or definitive medical tests for FMS, patients may struggle to be taken seriously, which can lead to frustration, stigma, and poorer overall wellbeing.
A key challenge for people with FMS is the perception that healthcare professionals (HCPs) lack empathy. When appointments feel dismissive or invalidating, symptoms like pain and distress can intensify. Our previous research suggests that this may be partly explained by a greater tendency among people with FMS to interpret ambiguous communication from HCPs negatively. Additionally, patients and HCPs may hold different views on empathy in clinical practice, which can lead to misunderstandings. However, little is known about how these experiences during actual healthcare appointments directly affect patients’ symptoms.
This study will examine how pain, fatigue, and distress change around healthcare appointments and how these changes relate to patients’ perceptions of clinical empathy. We will use Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a widely used method that captures symptoms in real time. Eighty adults with FMS will take part: 40 with a planned appointment and 40 without. All will complete brief online surveys three times a day for one week. Those with an appointment will report symptoms for three days before, the day of, and three days after, while the comparison group will complete surveys during a typical week without an appointment.
The findings from this study will help us better understand how healthcare interactions influence short-term symptom changes in FMS. This knowledge may help guide the development of more empathetic, supportive, and patient-centred care in the future.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EE/0135
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion