Cancer-related fatigue: clinical practice issues

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review current nursing literature and practice in cancer-related fatigue and to provide a suggested plan of treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and challenging symptom-management problems. The successful treatment of fatigue depends on the clinician's understanding of the symptom's continuum within the cancer experience, its etiologies, assessment strategies, and research-based interventions. Clinical outcomes are measured by the patient's ability to balance energy expenditure and restoration. By applying this knowledge to clinical practice, oncology nurses can have a profound impact on the patient's quality of life.