Living with cancer-related fatigue: developing an effective management programme

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Occupational Therapy
• Cancer Rehabilitation

Background:

• Cancer-related fatigue significantly impacts patients' quality of life and daily functioning.
• Treatment-related fatigue can persist even after active cancer treatment concludes.
• Survivorship agenda highlights the need for ongoing supportive care for cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a fatigue management program for hospice day care patients.
• To address persistent cancer-related fatigue affecting patients' lifestyles.
• To improve patients' functioning and coping mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year pilot project involving a 4-week fatigue management program.
• Referral of patients by clinical nurse specialists when fatigue significantly impacted lifestyle.
• Evaluation of the program's effectiveness through patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight patients completed the 4-week program.
• Participants reported significant reductions in fatigue levels.
• Patients experienced improved functioning and enhanced ability to cope.

Conclusions:

• The developed fatigue management program is effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue.
• The program positively impacts patients' functioning and coping strategies.
• Occupational and physical therapy interventions are valuable in managing cancer-related fatigue.