Developing a fatigue programme: Protocol for the Nottingham Fatigue After Stroke (NotFAST2) study

Drummond, Avril; Ablewhite, Joanne; Condon, Laura; Nair, Roshan das; Jones, Amanda; Jones, Fiona; Sprigg, Nikola; Thomas, Shirley

Abstract

Introduction: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is common and is one of the most distressing symptoms after stroke. It has a negative impact on physical, social and psychological functioning: it is also associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality. The effective management of PSF is therefore regarded as a clinical priority.

Method: Mixed-methods design with three overlapping phases. Phase 1 will be a survey of existing fatigue management within the UK. In phase 2, interviews and focus groups will be conducted with stroke survivors with fatigue, carers and clinicians to determine strategies used to manage fatigue successfully. In phase 3, data from phases 1 and 2 will contribute to the co-design of a fatigue management programme with the [NotFAST2] study Patient and Public Involvement group. This will be further refined through subsequent focus groups which will include those with fatigue associated with other health conditions.

Results: Survey data will be analysed using descriptive statistics. Interview and focus group data will be analysed using a framework approach.

Conclusion: PSF requires a comprehensive management programme necessitating input from key stakeholders. A PSF programme will be developed which will be tested in a future randomised controlled trial.

Citation

Drummond, A., Ablewhite, J., Condon, L., Nair, R. D., Jones, A., Jones, F., Sprigg, N., & Thomas, S. (2020). Developing a fatigue programme: Protocol for the Nottingham Fatigue After Stroke (NotFAST2) study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 83(11), 674-679. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620944797

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Aug 20, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 20, 2020
• Journal: British Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0308-0226
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-6006
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 83
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 674-679
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620944797
• Keywords: Protocol, post-stroke fatigue, fatigue management, stroke, self-management, community
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4754705
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0308022620944797