A perfect storm and patient-provider breakdown in communication: two mechanisms underlying practice gaps in cancer-related fatigue guidelines implementation.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating symptom experienced by many cancer patients. Although guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for screening, assessing, and managing CRF, there is limited evidence of their implementation in practice. This study aimed to explore patients', healthcare providers' (HCPs), community support providers' (CSPs) experiences and opinions on CRF guidelines and the underlying causes of CRF treatment gaps following the Knowledge-to-Action model. METHODS: A total of 62 participants were recruited-16 patients, 32 HCPs, and 14 CSPs-for a total of 9 focus groups and 4 individual interviews. Sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: There were gaps in the application of CRF guidelines and patient dissatisfaction with care. Two underlying mechanisms may contribute to these gaps. First, professionals' lack of knowledge and resources paired with systemic obstacles created difficult conditions to adequately address CRF-A Perfect Storm. Further, patient-provider communication gaps lead to patients feeling discouraged to report issues to their healthcare teams and turning to community services for help-A Breakdown in Communication. CONCLUSIONS: There is little indication that CRF guidelines are routinely implemented in clinical practice. This study provides insights from various perspectives to aid understanding of the critical issues that require consideration to increase implementation of CRF guidelines by HCPs. As patients are currently dissatisfied with CRF-related care, implementation of CRF guidelines is needed.