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

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

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.