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Which Dimensions of Fatigue Should be Measured in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Delphi Study
Author(s) -
Nikolaus Stephanie,
Bode Christina,
Taal Erik,
Laar Mart AFJ
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
musculoskeletal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1557-0681
pISSN - 1478-2189
DOI - 10.1002/msc.222
Subject(s) - rheumatoid arthritis , medicine , delphi , delphi method , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , artificial intelligence , computer science , operating system
Abstract Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients experience fatigue as a multidimensional symptom. The aim of the present study was to use health professionals and patients alike to identify which dimensions of fatigue should be measured in RA. Methods Twelve fatigue dimensions were constructed, based on items from traditional questionnaires and items generated from interviews. Health professionals and patients evaluated these dimensions, related to an initial pool of 294 items, in a Delphi procedure. Dimensions were selected if rated important by at least 80% of the participants. Results Ten rheumatologists, 20 nurses and 15 patients participated. All fatigue dimensions were selected directly (severity, frequency, duration, changes in fatigue, perceived causes of fatigue, energy, sleep/rest, body feeling, cognition/concentration, coping, negative emotions/mood and consequences). No additional dimensions emerged from participants' comments and suggestions. Conclusions This study revealed 12 fatigue dimensions. This underlines the multidimensionality of fatigue in RA and the need for comprehensive measurement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.