A patient education program is effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue: a multi-centre randomised two-group waiting-list controlled intervention trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a patient education program that aims at reducing perceived fatigue in cancer survivors.

METHODS: In ten German centres, 261 patients with cancer-related fatigue were randomly assigned to a patient education program consisting of 6 sessions à 90 min or standard care. The primary outcome measure was cancer-related fatigue. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures.

RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group showed statistically significant reduction in cancer-related fatigue (F = 76.510, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.248). Secondary outcomes also showed significant improvements in all measures, including quality of life (F = 29.607, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.113), general self-efficacy (F = 27.680, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.107), exercise self-efficacy (F = 49.230, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.175), physical activity (F = 8.036, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.033), anxiety (F = 33.194, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.125), depression (F = 24.604, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.096), and fatigue knowledge (F = 55.157, p < 0.001, η(2) = 0.192).

CONCLUSION: The program was effective in reducing perceived fatigue as well as further outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This newly developed education program has the potential to fill a gap in the care of cancer survivors. The program needs further evaluation in other countries employing a control group of patients receiving equal time and attention as the intervention group.