Services & Management Programs

Services & Management Programs

Bridges and Pathways works as part of the South Australian primary care networks. We support clinicians, case managers and patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FMS) diagnosis and management information.

ME/CFS and FMS are debilitating, multi-factorial, long-term physical conditions that affect over 500,000+ Australians who struggle to access even basic medical care.  The lack of access to care compounds into people being more disabled, dropping out of education and employment, as well as being refused Centrelink and NDIS disability services.

Our services are provided nationally.  We work in partnerships with clinicians and consumers to improve medical care and provide practice resources. Our services are based on Chronic Disease Management Education frameworks and are designed to be integrated into general practice care planning and referrals.

We work to advocate and improve services for all Australians disadvantaged by ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and related conditions. At the primary care level, over 80% of our clients have both a ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia diagnosis, with many of these clients at the severe end and housebound.

Priority is given to helping people receive medical care, navigate the maze of health and disability services and adjust to living with a complex life changing medical condition.  We support care plans, referrals and facilitate the ‘annual cycle of care management programs’ for patients.

Our services include a 24/7 national call line (phone, email, and social media), interactive website resources, accredited patient education management programs, support with care planning and annual cycle of care management programs for patients.

Due to the demand for services, please be aware there are waiting lists and that charges apply.

Online Support and Peer mentoring

Our call line and peer mentoring services include the phone line, one to one, group settings, and social media.  Since the advent of COVID we have moved to zoom workshops and conference meetings, confidential online groups and more intensive phone support.

Care planning and management

Our Care Planning and management support contributes to care planning consultations, goal setting, information on the latest treatment to support informed choice and referrals to improve health outcomes.  We contribute to Care Plan conferences for rural and housebound clients via telehealth.

E-Learning & Life skills Management Programs

ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia networking groups and educational workshops are important in shared care and self-management. They provide up-to-date information and strategies to help improve communications with health care providers, shared decision making, and to focus on wellbeing to improve quality of life.

Participants are encouraged to be active self-managers and self-monitor, as well as ‘pace’ to keep within their current daily limits.  Pacing (energy management) is core to stabilising and obtaining the best treatment outcomes for both ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia.

MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE INCLUDE:

  1. Introduction to ME/CFS and Understanding Diagnosis

This introductory course includes 8 modules. It provides an introduction to ME/CFS, diagnosis, multi-disciplinary management, planning care and the importance of monitoring for outcome focussed care.

  1. ME/CFS Management Annual Cycle of Care – Health coaching/ monthly education program

This program covers core management topics as part of an annual care plan and health coaching program. Contact bpclients5159@gmail.com for latest timetable and bookings.

  1. ME/CFS Self-Management Integrated Program (Australian)

This is a specialised rotating program, covering core self-management topics throughout the year. It is conducted by accredited trainers.

  1. Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Understanding Diagnosis

This introductory course includes 8 modules. It provides an introduction to Fibromyalgia, diagnosis, multi-disciplinary management, planning care and the importance of monitoring for outcome focussed care.

  1. Fibromyalgia Management Annual Cycle of Care – Health coaching/ monthly education program

This program covers core management topics as part of an annual care plan and health coaching program. Contact bpclients5159@gmail.com for latest timetable and bookings.

  1. Fibromyalgia Self-Management Integrated Program (Australian)

This is a specialised rotating program covering core self-management topics throughout the year. It is conducted by accredited trainers.

OTHER AUSTRALIAN ONLINE COURSES FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Macquarie University eCentreClinic

The eCentreClinic is a specialist research clinic and a not-for-profit initiative of Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. They develop and evaluate state-of-the-art free online treatment courses for people with chronic physical health conditions.

OTHER USEFUL ONLINE PROGRAMS INCLUDE

  • Dr. Stein’s ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia and related conditions Pathways to Improvement Online Course

Comprehensive and proven self-management education for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Environmental Sensitivities and Long COVID. Learn to live better and enjoy life again without drugs or expensive medical intervention.

https://www.eleanorsteinmd.ca/pathways

  • Campbell: ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Self-help

Provides a range of online ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia courses

http://cfsselfhelp.org/online-courses

 

For more information and the latest South Australian timetable: Email bpclients5159@gmail.com