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Cited by 63Cancer survivorship and careCancer-related cognitive impairment studiesPalliative and Oncologic Care

Fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy, their self-care and the role of health professionals: A qualitative study

Spichiger, Elisabeth, Rieder, Evelyn, Müller-Fröhlich, Christa, Kesselring, Annemarie·2012·European Journal of Oncology Nursing
DOI 10.1016/j.ejon.2011.05.002
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Abstract

Purpose Fatigue affects most chemotherapy recipients, who commonly experience it as distressing. Previous publications showed that cancer patients frequently lacked information and education regarding fatigue; and while most engaged in self-care activities, it remained unclear why they chose specific activities or how effective those were. We explored cancer chemotherapy recipients' current perspectives regarding fatigue, with particular attention to related communication with health professionals, self-care activities, and perceived effectiveness of these measures. This study was part of a larger project that explored patients' symptom experiences during chemotherapy over three months.Method In this qualitative study, 19 patients with lymphomas, breast, lung or colorectal cancer participated concurrently with treatment at a Swiss tertiary care hospital's oncology outpatient clinic. Data on patients' fatigue experiences were collected via individual interviews following their third cycle of chemotherapy. Grounded Theory methodology guided data analysis.Results At the start of their chemotherapy, health professionals informed patients that common side effects included fatigue. While all participants experienced different dimensions of fatigue, then, all were willing to endure it for the sake of an expected improvement in their conditions. Individuals' fatigue experiences depended largely on their particular life and illness circumstances. Most engaged in fatigue-related self-care activities and managed the symptom on their own. Communication with or input from health professionals was virtually absent during chemotherapy.Conclusions Adequate and systematic information regarding fatigue and related self-care strategies need to be implemented at the beginning of chemotherapy, along with continuous assessment and individual guidance of patients throughout their treatment.

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  • High prevalence of fatigue during chemotherapy can produce distress affecting many aspects of life.

    “The high prevalence of fatigue by survivors during chemotherapy can produce distress which ultimately affects many aspects of life [15].”

    From Empowerment in the treatment of fatigue in breast cancer patients (2021) · cites this paper as [15]

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Authors
Spichiger, E., Rieder, E., Müller-Fröhlich, C., & Kesselring, A.
Affiliations
University of Basel (CH)
Corresponding author
  • Spichiger, Elisabeth
  • Rieder, Evelyn
  • Müller-Fröhlich, Christa
  • Kesselring, Annemarie
ORCID
Spichiger, Elisabeth
Venue
European Journal of Oncology Nursing
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-04
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
165-171
ISSN
1462-3889 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.ejon.2011.05.002
OpenAlex
W2071407302
Cited by
63
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 4
FWCI
1.73
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • European Journal of Oncology Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • edoc (University of Basel) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Roche
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Cancer-related cognitive impairment studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative and Oncologic Care
Keywords
chemotherapy-induced fatigue, cancer patients, self-care, patient-professional communication, health professionals' role, patient perspectives, symptom management, patient information and education, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Antineoplastic Agents, Breast Neoplasms, Fatigue, Female, Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Lymphoma, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Patient Education as Topic, Professional-Patient Relations, Self Care, Colorectal Neoplasms, Nursing Methodology Research, Professional Role, Qualitative Research, Young Adult

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