Using self-regulation theory to develop an intervention for cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom for patients undergoing cancer treatment, with reported incidences as high as 96%. According to self-regulation theory, inadequate management of the symptom of fatigue may lead to increased fatigue distress among patients with cancer. The purpose of this article is to describe a theory-based educational intervention developed to help patients manage their fatigue more effectively, with the goal of decreasing the distress that fatigue causes for patients receiving outpatient cancer treatment. Further, this article describes the role of self-regulation theory in guiding intervention development to reduce fatigue distress and improve outcomes for patients with cancer. The intervention is designed to be delivered before the patient's first cancer treatment.