The awareness and perception of Cancer Related Fatigue as a diagnosis tool– An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Fatigue is a highly prevalent condition among cancer patients. Although most cancer patients report that fatigue is a major obstacle to maintaining normal daily activities and quality of life, it is seldom assessed and treated in clinical practice. Few studies have explored its epidemiology, possible etiologies, or management. Cancer-related fatigue, which recently was accepted as a diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision-Clinical Modification, reduces physical, psychological, and social functioning and results in significant distress for patients and caregivers. Adequate evaluation of fatigue must do more than simply assess severity. Although additional research is needed to further identify the causes and corresponding treatment of fatigue, practitioners should routinely assess and treat patients who may benefit from currently identified interventions, because fatigue can profoundly undermine the quality of life of patients with cancer. The purpose of the study was to measure the physiotherapist’s awareness and perception about the Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). Methods: One hundred (21UG & 79 PG qualified) Physiotherapist from all over Karnataka are randomly selected and interviewed by open ended questionnaire method contains ten questions which explains the prevalence, cause and functional assessment of cancer patients.Results: The results shows that fifty five percentage of physiotherapist had no idea about the functional outcome measures of cancer related fatigue. Eighty percentage of physiotherapist had sound knowledge about the cause and related cause of CRF. But sixty eight percentage of physiotherapist were not agreed CRF as a diagnosis.Conclusion: Even though Physiotherapist had sound knowledge about the cause and related cause of CRF, the awareness of functional outcome of Cancer Related Fatigue need to be improved.