Proposed Research Project: Estimating the societal economic burden of ME in Ireland

Proposed Research Project: Estimating the societal economic burden of myalgic

encephalomyelitis (ME) in Ireland

Institution: Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC), NUI Galway

Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. John Cullinan

Background: 

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also sometimes known as chronic fatigue

syndrome (CFS), is a disabling and complex neurological disorder. People with ME are often

unable to perform their usual activities and at times sufferers may be confined to bed for long

periods of time. ME patients often have overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest,

and ME may get worse after any activity, both physical and mental, a symptom known as

post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other symptoms include sleep problems, as well as problems

with thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness. The impacts of ME have substantial

economic implications, including high levels of health care utilisation, regular usage of overthe-

counter medications, significant periods of temporary or permanent unemployment, as

well as the need for care assistance from family and friends. The prevalence of ME in Ireland

is estimated at 10-12,000 individuals but the associated healthcare costs and societal

economic burden of ME are unknown. This evidence would highlight the extent to which ME

impacts on the patient, healthcare provider, economy and society.

Study Objective: 

To estimate the economic impact to the healthcare provider, patients and

society of ME.

Research Questions: 

There are four main research questions that will be addressed in this

research:

1. What are the economic costs of ME to the healthcare provider in Ireland?

2. What is the financial impact of an ME diagnosis to the patient and does this increase

over time?

3. What are the wider societal costs associated with ME i.e. productivity losses and

informal care costs?

4. What factors contribute to variation in societal cost across patients and what high-risk

sub-groups can be identified?

Project Budget: 

€10,000 (to cover survey-related and travel costs and a three month research

assistant)

About the PI: 

John Cullinan is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at NUI Galway and a

founding member of the Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre. He has published

over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and co-edited The Economics of Disability: Insights

from Irish Research, published by Manchester University Press. He is contactable on

email or 091-493996