Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current state of research into Fibromyalgia.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Since 2021, the NIHR has funded two specific research studies into fibromyalgia, with a total value of over £400,000. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including fibromyalgia. These 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. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.

The Government recognises that chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, can be incredibly disabling and have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. We know how important it is that people with fibromyalgia get the support they need from health and care services. To support healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain conditions, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published evidence-based guidance in April 2021, a copy of which is attached.

NICE guidelines represent best practice and health professionals, including general practitioners, are expected to take them fully into account. It should be noted, however, that the guidelines are not mandatory and do not replace the judgement of clinicians in determining the most appropriate treatment for individual patients. The chronic pain guidance includes recommendations on providing advice and information relevant to the individual and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options.

To assist with increasing the visibility of fibromyalgia and the impacts of its symptoms, NICE promotes guidance via its website, newsletters and other media.