Perceptions of fatigue and fatigue management interventions among people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic literature review and narrative synthesis

Abstract

Background/Aims: Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Evidence supports the effectiveness of fatigue management interventions for people with multiple sclerosis. This review aimed to identify how people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigue and to examine their perceptions of fatigue management interventions(FMIs). Methods: The review was conducted systematically, searching electronic databases AMED, CINAHL Complete, eBook Nursing Collection, ERIC, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycInfo for original peer-reviewed empirical research published in English between January 2000 and June 2020. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies that captured the perspectives of people with multiple sclerosis on their fatigue and and/or their perceptions of FMIs were included. A narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the findings. Findings:Twenty-three qualitative and eight mixed-methods studies were extracted comprising a total of 662 people with multiple sclerosis (relapse remitting = 293; secondary progressive = 129; primary progressive = 73; relapsing progressive = 3; benign = 2; fulminant = 1; MS type not reported = 161). Fatigue was perceived by people with multiple sclerosis as a debilitating symptom of the condition and which they felt impacted adversely on their lives. A lack of understanding from others about multiple sclerosis fatigue was challenging for people with multiple sclerosis. People with multiple sclerosis valued the physical and psychosocial-based content of FMIs and felt FMIs enabled them to legitimise their fatigue and feel more in control of their fatigue.