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.
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.
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.