Completed Research Project

An Investigation of the Experience of Generalised Fatigue in Aged Care Residents Early Career Researcher Grant Scheme

Investigators: Toye C, White K.

Funding:  Edith Cowan University ($13,645).

Abstract: This study was conducted to explore and describe aged care residents’ experiences of fatigue and develop a tool to measure fatigue in this population. Twelve people who lived in residential aged care and complained of fatigue were interviewed. Five themes emerged: Pacing Yourself, Battling On, Hitting Rock Bottom, Feeling Safe, and Moving On. A conceptual framework for the questionnaire was developed from these findings and with reference to the literature. The framework indicated that aged care residents may find life with fatigue to be a struggle but have the potential to focus on what is achievable for them, using strategies and any available assistance. The initial draft of the questionnaire was sent to five experts in the area and refinements were carried out based upon their feedback. When the questionnaire was then piloted with 20 people fitting the same criteria used for the first study phase, it had three proposed subscales: Fatigue Effects (11 items), Fatigue Resources (5 items), and Adaptation to Fatigue (4 items). Some items were reworded based upon the difficulties residents had with responding to them. After further testing, the tool will be useful for staff to screen residents to see how badly they are affected by fatigue, to what extent they have learned to adapt to the symptom, and how they may be made to feel better supported when fatigued.