Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the management of patients with fibromyalgia. Part II

Objective To prevent the deterioration of patients with fibromyalgia due to potentially avoidable harmful actions in clinical practice. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of experts identified key areas, analysed the scientific evidence and formulated recommendations based on this evidence and qualitative techniques of “formal assessment” or “reasoned judgement”. Results Thirty-nine recommendations were made on diagnosis, ineffective and unsafe treatments, patient education and practitioner training. This part II shows the 12 recommendations, referring to the latter two areas. Conclusions Good knowledge of fibromyalgia on the part of patients improves their coping and acceptance of the disease and reduces the severity of some clinical manifestations. Healthcare professionals treating patients with fibromyalgia should be well trained in this disease to improve treatment outcomes and patient relationships.