Search

This article describes an example of a pilot study that was done to determine the feasibility of measuring fatigue in patients on hemodialysis several times a day for one week to track patterns of fatigue. Pilot studies are studies done on a smaller scale that use the same methods and procedures to be used in a larger study and are important in determining the feasibility of a research project. Lessons learned regarding the feasibility of this pilot study are discussed, including difficulties in participant recruitment, retention, and data collection. Suggestions to improve feasibility of studying this topic in patients on hemodialysis are examined and highlight the importance of pilot studies in designing larger scale studies. Key Words: Pilot study, feasibility, hemodialysis, fatigue., Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom that patients on hemodialysis experience (Caplin, Kumar, & Davenport, 2011; Murtagh, Addington-Hall, & Higginson, 2007). However, there is little research regarding patterns [...]

This qualitative study describes the temporal patterns of fatigue found as part of a larger study designed to elicit a description of the experience and self-management of fatigue for patients on hemodialysis. Two patterns of fatigue were identified. The first pattern, continuous fatigue, was characterized by participants who experienced fatigue at all times, which was their normal, baseline feeling. Within this group, two subgroups were identified. The second pattern of fatigue, post-dialysis fatigue only, was characterized by participants who experienced fatigue only after their hemodialysis session. This study is unique because it expands our knowledge about hemodialysis and fatigue by describing the patterns that fatigue follows over time from one hemodialysis session to the next. Insight into these phenomena could help ameliorate fatigue and allow nurses to tailor interventions for patients on hemodialysis. Key Words: Hemodialysis, fatigue, temporal pattern., Fatigue is identified by patients on hemodialysis as a symptom they experience and with which they frequently struggle (Jablonski, 2007; Weisbord et al., 2005). Patients on hemodialysis around the world [...]