Barsevick, A. M., Whitmer, K., Sweeney, C., & Nail, L. M. (2002). A pilot study examining energy conservation for cancer treatment-related fatigue. Cancer Nursing, 25, 333–341.

The energy conservation and activity management (ECAM) intervention included completing a journal to monitor fatigue, sleep, rest, activity, and other symptoms; listing and prioritizing usual activities; and creating a tailored energy conservation plan. The intervention was delivered by nurse counselors in three telephone sessions of 15 to 30 minutes in length.

• The study sample included 38 adults in two groups:  radiotherapy (n = 18; mean age = 59.4 years; 70% female; 84% Caucasian) and chemotherapy (n = 20; mean age = 57.4 years; 91% female; 95% Caucasian).
• The control group included 182 adults (mean age = 55.1 years; 58% female; 95% Caucasian).

• Experimental participants were outpatients in a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center.
• Patients in the control group were from a multi-site study on fatigue measurement.

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

• The study used a single group pre-/posttest design.
• A nonequivalent control group from another study was used for posttest comparisons.

Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue scale

• The intervention was well tolerated and acceptable to patients.
• Results showed a trend for the two groups to differ at both points in time, with the control group exhibiting higher fatigue scores than the ECAM group.

• The study had a small sample size.
• The control group was a nonequivalent.
• The population was vulnerable, with many medical problems that can effect adherence.

Minimal training with the intervention materials is needed.