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Review
. 2007 Jan;34(1):93-9.
doi: 10.1188/07.ONF.93-99.

A new way of thinking about fatigue: a reconceptualization

Karin Olson  1
Affiliations
Review

A new way of thinking about fatigue: a reconceptualization

Karin Olson. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2007 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To present a reconceptualization of fatigue.

Data sources: Studies indexed in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Psyc INFO, SPORTDiscus, and CancerLit from 1995-2004; studies included in the bibliographies of indexed articles; and five qualitative studies conducted by the author.

Data synthesis: Tiredness and exhaustion are conceptually distinct from fatigue. All three concepts are located along an adaptational continuum in a manner consistent with stress theory.

Conclusions: Interventions should focus on the elimination or reduction of stressors and the increase of patients' resistance to stressors.

Implications for nursing: Interventions that prevent or delay progression from tiredness to fatigue will be different from those that prevent or delay progression from fatigue to exhaustion.

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