What we know about fatigue self-management programs for people living with chronic conditions: A scoping review

The significant impact of fatigue on the lives of patients with chronic conditions has demanded a response. One response has been the development and testing of self-management programs. Little is known about what these programs have in common or how they differ. This scoping review compared the key components of fatigue self-management programs.

Scoping review methodology was employed. Databases of CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Medline were searched to identify relevant sources.

Included fatigue programs were compared using a three-component framework: 1) self-management strategies; 2) active patient participation; and 3) self-management support. Although all programs included some aspects of these components, the extent varied with only a few domains of these components found across all programs.

The three self-management components employed in this study showed potential benefits in identifying similarities and differences across fatigue programs with comparable and distinct underlying theories. This three-component framework could facilitate identification of domains associated with positive outcomes.

It is essential that authors of programs provide detailed descriptions to enable inter-program comparison. The three-component framework chosen for this review was capable of describing and comparing fatigue self-management programs, paving the way for more effective interventions.