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07:22
Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
A Visual Fatigue Scale to Measure Cancer-Related Fatigue: The Process of Development
Nina N Grenon1, Elizabeth B Russell1, Mary Lou Siefert1
1From Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology
|August 1, 2026
Summary
A new Visual Fatigue Scale aids in identifying cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in outpatients. This pictorial tool, developed with patients and experts, helps clinicians manage CRF effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Patient Care
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is prevalent and often underreported in outpatient cancer care.
- Advanced practitioners play a key role in assessing and managing CRF.
- A multidimensional, image-based fatigue scale could improve CRF screening in cancer outpatients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a brief, self-rating pictorial scale for assessing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Nine focus groups with oncology experts and patients/survivors were conducted.
- An initial pictorial scale was created and refined based on patient feedback and expert review.
- Content validity was established through an iterative process.
Main Results:
- A Visual Fatigue Scale was developed, featuring two image sets and a 10-point numeric scale.
- The scale corresponds to four levels of fatigue: none, mild, moderate, and severe.
- Content validity was confirmed through expert and patient input.
Conclusions:
- The Visual Fatigue Scale can identify patients requiring further evaluation and management for CRF.
- This tool assists healthcare providers in addressing the complex nature of CRF.
- Implementing the scale can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
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