Collaborative Clinical Research Centre

ME/CFS/FMS Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centre

The ME/CFS/FMS Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centre (centre of excellence) is a major strategy of Bridges and Pathways, and is dedicated to improving access to services and research. It addresses an expanding list of clients waiting for services.

This centre of excellence combines patient care and research and is a reference and referral centre for all Australians with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia (FMS) and associated pain and fatigue conditions.

Currently Australians living with these conditions struggle to access best practice medical care and health management, as well as welfare and disability services. The centre will increasingly provide a one-stop-shop that works to bridge knowledge gaps in order to fast-track change. Our strategy to improve patient access to care will address the competitive nature of research funding and service access which limits people to even the most basic level of medical care.

The centre involves multiple agencies working collaboratively with clinicians and researchers to streamline work involving research, education and service development projects. The process will be prioritised by the medical outcomes of patients as well as cost-effective solutions.

ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia programs will specifically focus on cost-effective solutions, implementing and evaluating models of care, early diagnosis, emerging treatments and the management of such conditions.

Since 1999, Bridges & Pathways, has focussed on solutions, partnering with other Australian agencies and stakeholders to improve services and research for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and associated conditions. During our 22+ years of collaborative work we have gathered information from over 8000 Australian patients.

The goal is equal access to health and welfare services, improved daily medical care, and research for Australians with these conditions.

Collaborators include general practitioners, medical specialists and university researchers. In addition, allied health providers such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians, psychologists, case managers, community agencies and consumer organisations. Patients are active participants in their care and provide regular feedback on their own treatment outcomes. As we work for inclusion, the centre is using independent university researchers to review and evaluate patient outcomes and for data processing.

Like all non-government health service providers, the centre’s clinic will be self-funded, based on a business model where staff salaries will be covered. Services are consistent with Australian Medicare and private health funding arrangements, so there will be a fee-for-service to cover funding gaps.

The ME/CFS/FMS Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centre depends on grants, sponsorships and donations. According to funding availability, clinical services will be extended using online services, home visits, Telehealth calls and digital platforms for rural and housebound clients. Research projects will increase as funding becomes available.

For opportunities to participate please contact us.

As a registered Australian Charity, Bridges & Pathways raises funds for Australian research and patient care. Donations are tax deductible.

To invest in this innovative multidisciplinary Centre, please Donate.

You can also donate to our Clinic Research Fund via the Australian charity site GiveNow.