title: Cancer-related fatigue: a survey of health practitioner knowledge and practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to identify the current practices of health professionals in the assessment and treatment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Health professionals working with oncology clients participated in an electronic survey distributed via professional associations and oncology societies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred twenty-nine professionals from nursing, medical, and allied health disciplines participated in an electronic survey. Overall, there was a perception that CRF was inadequately managed at some facilities. Routine fatigue screening processes in the workplace were reported by more than half of participants; however, less than one quarter used a clinical guideline or conducted in-depth CRF assessments. Awareness of interventions for CRF varied amongst participants with one quarter able to list five appropriate interventions for cancer-related fatigue. Access to services for managing fatigue was inconsistent across service types, with post-treatment triage a high priority for CRF in some organisations yet not others. Participants identified a need for improved guidelines, enhanced expertise and better access to services for people with CRF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need for further education in CRF management for a range of health disciplines in oncology and additional resources to facilitate translation of CRF guidelines into clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: La Trobe Rural Health School, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia. elizabeth.jm.pearson@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Elizabeth J M
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1606-3124
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.affiliation: Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
authors.forename: Meg E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: La Trobe Rural Health School, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, 3552, Australia.
authors.forename: Carol E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: McKinstry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer; Fatigue; Health professional; Knowledge; Practice; Survey
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