Persons with hepatitis C experienced fatigue as being multidimensional with severity dependent on intensity, duration, and frequency

摘要

The study by Glacken et al adds a new dimension to our understanding of idiopathic and chronic fatigue as a response to illness. Although the study used a grounded theory approach, it did not result in substantive theory,' but did provide an informative description of the multidimensional fatigue experience among people living with hepatitis C.According to Levine, fatigue is a sign that the body is using energy for healing.2 Why then, does fatigue have so many "faces?" Levine would suggest that although fatigue associated with various illnesses may have similar manifestations, its unique characteristics are based on an individual's responses to internal stimuli (eg, the disease process) and external stimuli (eg, social support). Although Glacken et al acknowledge that the fatigue experienced by individuals with hepatitis C is similar to fatigue associated with other conditions and illnesses, the aching felt in hepatitis C is not part of the "universal" experience of fatigue.Study findings remind us of the importance of monitoring the effect of stress on the perception of fatigue. Although interventions are recommended for fatigue, the investigators suggest these with caution because few interventions have been empirically tested. Perhaps most importantly, the investigators acknowledge the primacy of the patient's experience of fatigue. It is important to note that individuals who live with fatigue will tell nurses what works and what does not work for them. Perhaps, attending to the individuals' experiences and their success with interventions will be the best way to develop a science of caring for clients with fatigue.