The experience of fatigued brain tumour patients receiving innovative lifestyle interventions: qualitative results from the BT-LIFE randomised controlled trial
Torrens, C. Emerson, Julie Hewins, W. Walker, A. Withington, Lisa Mackinnon, M. Robson, Sara Dunlop, J. Welsh, M. McBain, Catherine A
Torrens, C.
Emerson, Julie
Hewins, W.
Walker, A.
Withington, Lisa
Mackinnon, M.
Robson, Sara
Dunlop, J.
Welsh, M.
McBain, Catherine A
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Most brain tumour patients report clinically significant
fatigue. Here, we aimed to explore patients’ views of the experience, acceptability
and usefulness of participating in a trial of novel lifestyle interventions
for fatigue. METHODS: Qualitative sub-study within the ‘BT-LIFE’
multi-centre phase II RCT (submitted separately). Fatigued adult primary
brain tumour patients in receipt of one of the trial interventions (‘Health
Coaching’: eight coaching sessions targeting lifestyle behaviours; plus or
minus ‘Activation Coaching’: two additional interviews targeting motivation
to change) took part in a semi-structured interview following completion
of the interventions. A realist approach to the ‘framework’ method
was used to analyse verbatim transcripts, with inductive and deductive
codes assigned to the realist domains of Context-Mechanism-Outcome. RESULTS:
Twenty themes and 53 sub-themes were derived from the data. Patients’
(n= 21) understanding of and engagement with the interventions were
influenced by their expectations, attitudes to life, and experience of living
with a brain tumour. Behaviour change was supported by goal-setting, monitoring
using a weekly diary, the motivational ‘push’ by coaches, and family/
social support where available. Barriers to engagement included technical
diary difficulties, time limitations including work and holiday schedules,
and interference from life events. Most patients described beneficial changes
in health behaviours, self-efficacy, and general health and wellbeing. About
half indicated actual improvement in fatigue levels; others reported no direct
change but they could now cope better with fatigue. A minority experienced
no change or worsening fatigue. CONCLUSION: Most fatigued brain tumour
patients were able to make positive changes after lifestyle coaching,
despite physical and cognitive impairments. However, their experiences were
varied. Those for whom the interventions were a good ‘fit’ with their preexisting
outlook, lifestyle, and physical and emotional capabilities, appeared to achieve most benefit. These qualitative findings will inform further work
addressing the disabling symptom of brain tumour-related fatigue.
Affiliation
Description
Date
2020
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Type
Meetings and Proceedings
Citation
Torrens C, Emerson J, Hewins W, Walker A, Withington L, Mackinnon M, et al. Innv-24. The Experience of Fatigued Brain Tumour Patients Receiving Innovative Lifestyle Interventions: Qualitative Results from the Bt-Life Randomised Controlled Trial. Neuro-Oncology. 2020;22(Supplement_2):ii121-ii2.