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08:56
Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
Supportive intervention for fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Emma Ream1, Alison Richardson, Caroline Alexander-Dann
1Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, UK. emma.ream@kcl.ac.uk
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|February 21, 2006
Summary
A new supportive intervention significantly reduced chemotherapy-related fatigue, distress, and impact on daily life. Patients reported improved psychological well-being and coping skills, enhancing their ability to manage treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Patient Support
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Chemotherapy often causes significant fatigue, impacting patients' quality of life.
- Managing treatment-related fatigue is crucial for patient adherence and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a supportive intervention aimed at alleviating fatigue in chemotherapy patients.
- To assess the intervention's impact on fatigue, distress, psychological well-being, and coping mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 103 chemotherapy-naïve patients.
- Intervention included an information pack, fatigue diary, and monthly nurse home visits.
- Support nurses provided fatigue assessment, psychological support, and self-care coaching.
Main Results:
- The intervention group reported significantly less fatigue, distress, and impact on pastimes compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
- Patients receiving the intervention showed significantly lower anxiety and depression levels (P < 0.05).
- The intervention group demonstrated more adaptive coping strategies (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The supportive intervention effectively helped patients adapt to living with chemotherapy-induced fatigue.
- The intervention positively influenced patients' psychological/emotional well-being and coping abilities.
- This approach enhances patients' capacity to manage illness and treatment effectively.
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