Abstract CN64
Background
Cancer related fatigue occurs on most days throughout the disease’s course persists for at least 2 weeks and interferes with the activities of day living. Subjective/multifactorial symptom. Stress factor with a negative impact on QoL. When reaching disabling degrees of fatigue the patient is forced to abandon any and all physical activity moving to a regime of inactivity. Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom in lung ca patients throughout the entire course of the disease. Antineoplasic treatments are known to cause treatment-related fatigue adding complexity to this problematic. IO is the new standard of care in NSCLC treatment with fatigue being the most recurring AE in patients receiving ICI. Nurses should become proactive advocates for physical exercise during and following treatment to maintain patient’s funcionality. A well-thought-out progressive program of restorative exercise and energy conservation techniques are a therapeutic adjunct to antineoplasic treatment and have shown some benefit in managing fatigue. Only a moderate amount of physical activity - Aerobic exercise (30min 5days/week) - is required to achieve many of the protective benefits of exercise (physical well-being, tranquility, freedom, relaxation and improves the quality of sleep) and is an attainable goal for most ca survivors.
Methods
Descriptive case study developed between Dec 2019 and April 2021. Describe the role of physical exercise and energy conservation in fatigue management in 2 patients with advance NSCLC under IO.
Results
Table: CN64
| 1st evaluation | Mr H 52yPS1Fatigue Assesment scale - FAS 22 DYSPNEA 2Uncommunicative/Sadness/apathy | Mrs L 47yPS2Lower limbs Muscle weaknessWheel chair useFAS 34DYSPNEA 0 |
| Nurses’ interventions | effort managementbreathing/rest optimizationenergy conserv techniquessetting prioritieswalking planMotivational interview by psychological support | effort managementenergy conserv techniquessetting prioritieslower limb’s muscle strengthening exercisesMotivational interview by psychological support |
| Results (after 2months) | Performed breathing exercisesDyspnea 1FAS 18Walking dailyMore communicative/less sorrow | FAS 29Walking without help (short distances)More autonomy ADL |
Conclusions
We were able to decreased fatigue scores through non-pharmacological interventions. Physical exercise is a promising resource in the assessment and management of fatigue and should be part of the oncology nurse’s interventions. At a time when enhancing the QoL of ca patients is a cornerstone of the therapeutic decision more knowledge about fatigue is essential. Our patient's fatigue is to be valued. We have to improve our perception and assessment of fatigue.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.