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Type: Theses
Title: Non-pharmacological management of cancer-related fatigue in men treated for prostate cancer
Author: Larkin, David Anthony
Issue Date: 2014
School/Discipline: School of Translational Health Science
Abstract: Cancer-related fatigue is the most common, distressing complaint reported by cancer patients and the most frequently reported long-term side effect of treatment for prostate cancer. Despite this, cancer-related fatigue has not received serious attention from health professionals or researchers, particularly in relation to men with prostate cancer. It is important for healthcare professionals to understand effective non-pharmacological interventions for treating cancer-related fatigue. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to determine effective non-pharmacological interventions for managing cancer-related fatigue in men treated for prostate cancer. Following on from this, this research aimed to advance the existing body of knowledge regarding effective non-pharmacological treatment of fatigue in men with prostate cancer by testing an intervention that has not been previously studied in this cohort. To determine effective non-pharmacological interventions, a systematic review was conducted that found eight studies involving men treated for prostate cancer. The results of the review revealed one intervention, physical activity, which was effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue in the cohort of interest. Two psycho-educational interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy and intensive education, demonstrated some benefit in reducing cancer-related fatigue. The findings of the systematic review highlighted the need for further research into interventions not based on physical activity, so that a greater range of management options are available to men treated for prostate cancer who may be experiencing cancer-related fatigue. In an effort to achieve high quality research, a conceptual framework was developed, which incorporated two existing conceptual models. Each of the two models had inherent limitations for the intended interventional studies, however combined into an overarching conceptual framework, the subsequent research builds upon work previously undertaken and adds to the body of knowledge in this field. The conceptual framework was used to develop and guide two pilot randomised controlled trials of an energy conservation and management intervention for men treated for prostate cancer. The two studies were designed to examine the effectiveness of this intervention for reducing cancer-related fatigue in two subgroups of the cohort of interest: men commencing prostate cancer treatment and men who have completed treatment within the previous twelve months. The results of both pilot studies were encouraging and demonstrated that an energy conservation and management intervention was effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue and increasing vigour and functional performance in the population studied. A further finding was that the intervention appeared to have had a greater benefit if delivered early in the patient’s treatment journey compared to providing the intervention after treatment for prostate cancer was complete. The findings presented in this thesis can be used by healthcare professionals to inform the decisions they make in their clinical practice for men treated for prostate cancer who may be experiencing cancer-related fatigue. In order to provide patient-centred care, healthcare professionals need to be aware of a range of interventions that can be used to effectively manage the problem of cancer-related fatigue. Further research is required to corroborate the findings of the pilot studies and further develop the body of knowledge in this field.
Advisor: Aromataris, Edoardo Claudio
Dissertation Note: Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Translational Health Sciences, 2014.
Keywords: cancer-related fatigue
prostate cancer
non-pharmacological management
interventions
Provenance: This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
DOI: 10.4225/55/58c20e9118a74
Appears in Collections:Research Theses

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