Clinical management of cancer-related fatigue in hospitalized adult patients: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: This project aimed to identify and promote evidence-based practice in the management of cancer related fatigue (CRF) in the oncology unit of Nanfang Hospital, affiliated with the Southern Medical University in People's Republic of China.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer and significantly affects their functioning and quality of life. However, it is often inadequately addressed and evidence-based practices are not always followed.

METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) has a validated audit and feedback tool to assist with best practice implementation audits. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) was used in this project. A three-phase project was undertaken: i) a pre-implementation audit of current practice against evidence-based audit criteria, ii) identification of barriers and implementation of strategies to improve practice using the JBI Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool and iii) a post-implementation audit.

RESULTS: The baseline audit results identified non-compliance to best practice in all areas of CRF. Strategies to improve practice involved relevant education for nurses, establishment of a CRF management routine and related documentation systems and displaying and distributing educational materials for the patients. Improved compliance was shown across all audit criteria in post-evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of institution specific evidence-based resources demonstrated immediate improvement in CRF management and practice. Continuous effort is required to maintain changes and further improve practice. Future projects should focus on measuring the impact of changed practice on patient outcomes.