Guidelines & Protocols

Canadian Consensus Document on Fibromyalgia Syndrome, a landmark publication that helped shape The Fowler Protocol™.

The Canadian clinical working-case definition, diagnostic and treatment protocols, A Consensus Document, represents one of the most influential publications in the modern understanding of fibromyalgia. Developed by an international panel of physicians, researchers, and educators under Health Canada's terms of reference, the document advanced a more comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-informed approach to the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia. Rather than viewing fibromyalgia solely as a chronic pain disorder, the consensus panel recognized it as a complex, multi-system condition that requires careful clinical evaluation and individualized, multidisciplinary care. Among the contributors was Dr. I. Jon Russell MD, PhD, whose research has made significant contributions to the field. The Fowler Protocol™ for Fibromyalgia Syndrome was developed over more than five decades of observational clinical research and was informed, in part, by the principles and clinical perspectives presented in this consensus document, together with the broader scientific literature and extensive clinical experience in the care of thousands of patients. As the science of fibromyalgia evolved, The Fowler Protocol™ integrated additional evidence-based concepts in nutrition, lifestyle medicine, patient education, multidisciplinary care, and long-term case management. The Canadian Consensus Document remains an important reference for clinicians, researchers, and educators, and continues to hold an important place in the historical development of fibromyalgia care.

Read the Complete Document: Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Canadian Clinical Working Case Definition, Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols — A Consensus Document.

Copyright Notice: This document is copyrighted by its publisher and made available through the National ME/FM Action Network with permission.