Abstract
The eHealth online intervention targeting cancer-related fatigue demonstrated a significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in quality of life and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure satisfaction scores. This provides preliminary support for using eHealth for treating cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
Primary Author and Speaker: Anne Fleischer
Additional Authors and Speakers: Mary Insala Fisher
Contributing Authors: Caroline Frazee, Carrie Pickering, Emily Flohre, Samantha Wourms
About 2 million people are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024 with more than 50% likely to experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). As the demand for telehealth services increases, evidence is needed to support eHealth interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine if an interprofessional eHealth intervention reduced fatigue, improved occupation performance and satisfaction, and quality of life. Participants for the repeated measure study were recruited via social media/flyers. Inclusion criteria: 18-70 years, cancer diagnosed within 5 years, receiving/received chemotherapy and/or radiation, access to internet, >3 on One-item Fatigue Scale. Exclusion criteria: metastatic cancer, chronic fatigue, unable to follow verbal or written instructions. Outcomes: Demographic and Past Medical History, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was assessed via web conferencing. Intervention included PT led individualized exercises, weekly OT problem-solving sessions, and interactive educational modules. Paired t-tests were conducted for each outcome measure. 16 of the 19 participants completed the study. Mean age was 43 (range 27-56). Most participants were white college-educated women treated for breast cancer within the last year. Fatigue was significantly reduced (BFI p = .022) and quality of life (p < .001) and COPM satisfaction scores (p = .001) were significantly increased. COPM performance scores (p = .347) and the FACIT-F (p = .146) did not significantly change. Interventions targeting CRF can be delivered asynchronously along with brief weekly online visits. This provides preliminary support for delivering CRF intervention through eHealth. Intervention significantly reduced fatigue, and improved quality of life and COPM satisfaction scores.
Siegel, R.L., Giaquinto, A.N., & Jemal, A. (2023). Cancer statistics, 2024. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 74(1), 12–49. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21820
Al Maqbali, M., Al Sinani, M., Al Naamani, Z., Al Badi, K., & Tanash, M. I. (2021). Prevalence of fatigue in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of pain and symptom management, 61(1), 167–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.037