DWP Adelphi Freedom-of-Information-Request, Department for Work and Pensions

Dear D Benyon

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 2 March

2011. You asked:

'Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

Please could you explain why this department was involved in part

funding the recent PACE trial into the use of CBT & GET on ME/CFS

sufferers?

How many other studies, with regard to particular illness' has the

DWP been involved in with funding prior to this?

If this is the first study that the DWP has helped to fund, why

this trial?

Has the DWP a particular agenda with regard to ME/CFS such as

disregarding the WHO classification of it being a NEUROLOGICAL

disease?'



I have answered each of your questions in turn:

Please could you explain why this department was involved in part

funding the recent PACE trial into the use of CBT & GET on ME/CFS

sufferers?

If this is the first study that the DWP has helped to fund, why

this trial?

The funding was agreed by a previous Departmental Chief Medical Adviser,

who supported PACE due to his combined expertise and academic interest

in this area of work. In his role as Chief Medical Adviser he felt it

reasonable to support this trial, particularly as when the trial was

initially being developed, consideration was given to exploring the use

of a five point measure of work and social adjustment, which would look

at employment and social outcomes for people taking part in the trial.

Additionally, one of the secondary measures considered as part of the

trial, was the impact that the trial would have on ability for

employment and study.

We believe that the findings of the trial will contribute to the

continuingly growing evidence base, which informs the development of

health and work related policy, policy based on the large body of

evidence showing that work is good for physical and mental wellbeing and

that being out of work can lead to poor health and other negative

outcomes.

How many other studies, with regard to particular illness' has the

DWP been involved in with funding prior to this?

We are not aware of any earlier or subsequent similar trials that have

been funded by the Department.

Has the DWP a particular agenda with regard to ME/CFS such as

disregarding the WHO classification of it being a NEUROLOGICAL

disease?

The Department fully recognises that ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

has a wide spectrum of symptoms and can be a severely debilitating

condition.

If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the

reference number above.

Yours sincerely,

DWP Central FoI Team

show quoted sections