We have completed recruitment to the FITNET-NHS study. The study’s platform was decommissioned on 13/12/2021. Our final follow-up is expected on 11^th February 2022 and the results will be published within a year of this date. Thank you for your interest in this study.

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using FITNET-NHS (an online CBT programme) compared to online activity management to treat paediatric CFS/ME in the UK.

CACH Team: Prof. Esther Crawley, Dr. Emma Anderson, Mrs Manmita Rai, Dr. Roxanne Parslow.

Most UK children (aged between 11-17 years) with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) currently have no access to local specialist services for the treatment of CFS/ME. FITNET-NHS tests the delivery of specialist one-to-one home treatments via the Internet, bringing CFS/ME treatment to families across the UK without the need for travel. All children in the trial are offered one of two treatments from a specialist at the Bath Paediatric CFS/ME Service:

• FITNET-NHS, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program - delivered online
• Activity Management - delivered via Skype

The study is funded by the NIHR HTA. Recruitment was complete in November 2020. Participants are followed up for 12 months.

You can find more information on how to treat CFS/ME in children here.

Further information

Please see the following sections for further information about the trial:

• FITNET-NHS overview
• Information for families 
• Information for clinicians
• Testimonials, publications and media
• Frequently asked questions
• Study contacts

Podcast - Julia Kan, 3rd Year medical student speaking with Emma Anderson.