Psycho-oncologists' knowledge of cancer-related fatigue and the targets for improving education and training: results from a cross-sectional survey study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine psycho-oncologists' awareness and self-efficacy regarding mindfulness-based interventions for cancer-related fatigue and identify gaps in professional training.
Results Summary
The study found that 82% of psycho-oncologists were aware of the empirical evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions for fatigue, indicating its perceived efficacy, though specific effectiveness data were not detailed.
Population
Psycho-oncologists working in Germany.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
psychotherapeutic interventions | no change | fatigue | psycho-oncologists | 95% | were aware of the empirical evidence for | #1 |
everyday physical activity, e.g., taking a walk | no change | fatigue | psycho-oncologists | 98% | were aware of the empirical evidence for | #2 |
yoga | no change | fatigue | psycho-oncologists | 82% | were aware of the empirical evidence for | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions | no change | fatigue | psycho-oncologists | 82% | were aware of the empirical evidence for | #4 |
resistance/endurance training | increase | fatigue | patients | - | knowing that it is an effective treatment was related to an increased frequency to recommend it | #5 |
PURPOSE: To explore psycho-oncologists' knowledge of cancer-related fatigue and their self-efficacy to intervene for fatigue. We further aimed to examine the role of fatigue in psycho-oncological training and derive specific suggestions for improvements. METHODS: For this cross-sectional survey study, psycho-oncologists working in Germany were systematically recruited via an address directory or invited by training institutes or colleagues. The online survey encompassed questions on knowledge of fatigue guidelines and interventions, self-efficacy, counseling, and fatigue in professional training. Data were analyzed descriptively and using Mann-Whitney U tests. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables linked to fatigue guideline knowledge. RESULTS: Seventy two percent of the 144 surveyed psycho-oncologists stated not knowing any fatigue-specific guidelines. Those unaware of guidelines reported a lower self-efficacy to intervene for fatigue. However, despite low knowledge of the guidelines, more than 80% of the participants felt well informed about fatigue and reported high self-efficacy. Most participants were aware of the empirical evidence for psychotherapeutic interventions (95%); everyday physical activity, e.g., taking a walk (98%); yoga (82%); and mindfulness-based interventions (82%). Knowledge gaps existed concerning the evidence of resistance/endurance training for treating fatigue. Knowing that resistance/endurance training is an effective treatment was related to an increased frequency to recommend it to patients. Suggestions to improve training for psycho-oncologists included raising awareness earlier in the career path and offering multidisciplinary trainings for fatigue. CONCLUSION: To improve fatigue-related guideline knowledge among psycho-oncologists and enhance implementation into clinical practice multidisciplinary trainings are needed. Psycho-oncologists should play an important role in fatigue management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov , identifier: NCT04921644. Registered in June 2021.