Setareh Ghahari1, Tanya Packer. 1. Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia. setareh.ghahari@gmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate effectiveness of a face-to-face and an online fatigue self-management programme and to compare these to two control groups (information-only and no-intervention) in a sample of adults (n = 115) with neurological conditions reporting extreme fatigue. METHOD:Non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group design using the Fatigue Impact Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index and Activity Card Sort as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Participants in the two intervention groups and the information-only group showed clinically significant improvements in fatigue over time (p < 0.05). When compared to the no-intervention group, face-to-face participants showed significantly greater improvement in overall and cognitive fatigue, while participants in the online group showed significant improvement in self-efficacy and stress. CONCLUSION: Participation in either the online or face-to-face programme appears to result in improved self-management, however, with different potency depending on outcomes. The improvement in the online information only group further complicates the understanding of the results. With few other comparisons of online and face-to-face self-management protocols available, further research is needed to understand differential impacts which may be related to the delivery format, the rural versus urban split of participants or other unknown factors.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To evaluate effectiveness of a face-to-face and an online fatigue self-management programme and to compare these to two control groups (information-only and no-intervention) in a sample of adults (n = 115) with neurological conditions reporting extreme fatigue. METHOD: Non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group design using the Fatigue Impact Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index and Activity Card Sort as primary outcome measures. RESULTS:Participants in the two intervention groups and the information-only group showed clinically significant improvements in fatigue over time (p < 0.05). When compared to the no-intervention group, face-to-face participants showed significantly greater improvement in overall and cognitive fatigue, while participants in the online group showed significant improvement in self-efficacy and stress. CONCLUSION: Participation in either the online or face-to-face programme appears to result in improved self-management, however, with different potency depending on outcomes. The improvement in the online information only group further complicates the understanding of the results. With few other comparisons of online and face-to-face self-management protocols available, further research is needed to understand differential impacts which may be related to the delivery format, the rural versus urban split of participants or other unknown factors.
Authors: Yvonne Veenhuizen; Ton Satink; Maud Jl Graff; Alexander Ch Geurts; Jan T Groothuis; Baziel Gm van Engelen; Maria Wg Nijhuis-van der Sanden; Edith Hc Cup Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-08-25 Impact factor: 3.006
Authors: Dominique Van de Velde; Freya De Zutter; Ton Satink; Ursula Costa; Sara Janquart; Daniela Senn; Patricia De Vriendt Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-07-16 Impact factor: 2.692