Fatigue after CriTical illness (FACT): Co-production of a self-management intervention to support people with fatigue after critical illness.

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a common and debilitating problem in patients recovering from critical illness. To address a lack of evidence-based interventions for people with fatigue after critical illness, we co-produced a self-management intervention based on self-regulation theory. This article reports the development and initial user testing of the co-produced intervention. METHODS: We conducted three workshops with people experiencing fatigue after critical illness, family members, and healthcare professionals to develop a first draft of the FACT intervention, designed in web and electronic document formats. User testing and interviews were conducted with four people with fatigue after critical illness. Modifications were made based on the findings. RESULTS: Participants found FACT acceptable and easy to use, and the content provided useful strategies to manage fatigue. The final draft intervention includes four key topics: (1) about fatigue which discusses the common characteristics of fatigue after critical illness; (2) managing your energy with the 5 Ps (priorities, pacing, planning, permission, position); (3) strategies for everyday life (covering physical activity; home life; leisure and relationships; work, study, and finances; thoughts and feelings; sleep and eating); and (4) goal setting and making plans. All material is presented as written text, videos, and supplementary infographics. FACT includes calls with a facilitator but can also be used independently. CONCLUSIONS: FACT is a theory driven intervention co-produced by patient, carer and clinical stakeholders and is based on contemporary available evidence. Its development illustrates the benefits of stakeholder involvement to ensure interventions are informed by user needs. Further testing is needed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of FACT. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The FACT intervention shows promise as a self-management tool for people with fatigue after critical illness. It has the potential to provide education and strategies to patients at the point of discharge and follow-up.

Non-pharmacological interventions for self-management of fatigue in adults: An umbrella review of potential interventions to support patients recovering from critical illness.

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a common symptom after critical illness. However, evidence-based interventions for fatigue after critical illness are lacking. We aimed to identify interventions to support self-management of fatigue caused by physical conditions and assess their effectiveness and suitability for adaptation for those with fatigue after critical illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews. Databases included CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index (BNI), Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), JBI Evidence Synthesis Database, and PROSPERO register. Included reviews were appraised using the JBI Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Results were summarised narratively. RESULTS: Of the 672 abstracts identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Reviews focused on cancer (n = 8), post-viral fatigue (n = 1), and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (n = 1). Primary studies often did not address core elements of self-management. Positive outcomes were reported across all reviews, and interventions involving facilitator support appeared to be most effective. CONCLUSIONS: Self-management can be effective at reducing fatigue symptoms and improving quality of life for physical conditions and has clear potential for supporting people with fatigue after critical illness, but more conclusive data on effectiveness and clearer definitions of self-management are required.

Access G-AP: development of an accessible goal setting and action planning resource for stroke survivors with aphasia.

PURPOSE: Goal setting is key to stroke rehabilitation, but access for people with aphasia is challenging. Based on the Goal setting and Action Planning (G-AP) framework, we developed an accessible goal setting resource (Access G-AP). METHODS: Access G-AP was designed using a three-phase, user-centred design process. Phase 1: Access G-AP Draft A was designed using evidence-based recommendations. Phase 2: Draft A was reviewed by stroke survivors with aphasia (focus groups 1&2) and rehabilitation staff (questionnaire). Phase 3: Suggested recommendations informed Access G-AP Draft B, which was further reviewed by stroke survivors with aphasia (focus group 3). The final version of Access G-AP was approved by stroke survivors with aphasia at a debrief meeting. Data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Recommended design improvements included reducing text, adding bullet points, and diversifying images. Both participant groups highlighted that Access G-AP should be used collaboratively to support stroke survivor involvement. Staff recommended Access G-AP training and additional resources to support stroke survivors with severe aphasia. CONCLUSIONS: Access G-AP was co-developed to support people with aphasia to access and engage in stroke rehabilitation goal setting. Further research is required to establish the feasibility of Access G-AP in clinical practice.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONEvidence-based accessible formatting strategies and an iterative design process can inform the design of accessible goal setting resources.Accessible goal setting materials should be relevant to stroke survivors with aphasia and responsive to their needs.Rehabilitation staff require training and support to use accessible goal setting resources (like Access G-AP) with stroke survivors with aphasia, especially those with severe aphasia.Evaluation of the feasibility of Access G-AP in clinical practice is now required.