Wangnum, K., Thanarojanawanich, T., Chinwatanachai, K., Jamprasert, L., Maleehuan, O., & Janthakun, V. (2013). Impact of the multidisciplinary education program in self-care on fatigue in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet, 96, 1601–1608.

To examine the effects of a multidisciplinary intervention on fatigue

The intervention group received training in individual sessions at week one, three, and six. A physical therapist provided education in deep breathing and designed a program of physical exercises to do at home. A nutritionist assessed needs and educated patients in nutrition during therapy. A nurse met with the patient, providing general psychoeducational intervention. All specialists had sessions with the patient at all study time points.

• N = 60   
• MEAN AGE = 56.1 years
• AGE RANGE: 45–65 years
• MALES: 68.3%, FEMALES: 31.7%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Lung cancer, undergoing chemotherapy
• OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Fatigue, pain, and peripheral neuropathy were the most frequent symptoms at baseline.

• SITE: Single site 
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient 
• LOCATION: Thailand

• PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

• RCT

• Piper Fatigue Scale

At the end of the study, the trial group had a lower fatigue score than controls (p = .036).

A multidisciplinary intervention to promote self-care may reduce symptoms of fatigue.

• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
• Other limitations/explanation: No information about patients' actual practice of exercise and other recommendations is provided. No baseline fatigue levels are provided.

Education provided by a multidisciplinary group may be beneficial and positively impact fatigue during cancer therapy.