“Effectiveness of video based educational program on cancer related fatigue among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A Quasi-experimental study”

Cancer-related fatigue is defined as a distressing, persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning. The severe exhaustion compromises the everyday life of affected patients and survivors of cancer. The severe exhaustion compromises the everyday life of affected patients and survivors of cancer. A recent study shows that the current analysis indicates an overall pooled prevalence of cancer-related fatigue of 52%.A recent study shows that breast cancer survivors with stage II or III cancer, treated with chemotherapy were at higher risk for severe fatigue than breast cancer survivors with stage 0 or I cancer and without chemotherapy.

Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem in oncology patients and the survivors that has received attention during the last two decades. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and chemotherapy is a standard treatment option for breast cancer patients, and it can have various side effects, including physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms.

The purpose of video based educational program focused on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy because the problem is very common but most likely unseen especially in women.  It is hoped that patient can be beneficial in managing this symptom by seeing the video in easy language. Such a video can provide patients with information about the causes of cancer-related fatigue, strategies to manage it, and the importance of physical activity and rest in reducing fatigue in individuals who are receiving chemotherapy. The main purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the sequenced video based learning program in experimental group in respect to control group.

1.Research approach: Quantitative Research Approach.

2. Research design:  Quasi Experimental, Non- equivalent control group pre-test post-test design.

3. Research setting: Chemotherapy units, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

4. Target population: Target population of present study comprised of patients with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and completed at least one cycle of their chemotherapy regimen.

**Data collection tools :**The data will be collected through mainly with two tools. one for collecting baseline characteristics and clinical profile and second tool is standardize that is for collecting fatigue score.

Data collection   procedure

STEP 1: Enrolment

Thepatient diagnosed with the breast cancer receiving chemotherapy treatment from  chemotherapy units and  completed one cycle will be informed and written consent will be obtained from the patients for conducting the study, and the patients will be informed about the follow-up check-up requirement.

STEP 2: Baseline Data collection

The baseline data will be collected from the enrolled patients which will include the Socio-demographic Variables (age, Education level of patient, Marital status, Employment status, travel distance from home to hospital  etc.) and Clinical Variables (BMI, Stages of Cancer, Any Comorbidities, Chemotherapy regimen, Chemotherapy cycle completed, blood investigation etc.)

STEP 3: Non-random allocation of participants to both groups

Initially enrolled chemotherapy receiving patients will be assigned to control group and then after the completion of baseline data collection about fatigue and informing about follow-up the post-test fatigue score will be assessed. and then the experimental group data will be collected from baseline and as well as the post-test will be conducted after giving intervention to avoid the biasness.

STEP 4: Intervention

Control group participants will receive the standard treatment as per oncology department.

Experimental group participants will receive video based educational program on Cancer related fatigue along with the standard treatment.

The video based educational program will contain causes/risk factors, all self-management general strategies, low intensity exercise program, and nutritional management etc. Video will be educated, then send through WhatsApp and Telephonic reinforcement will be done to the experimental group after receiving intervention.

General Strategies for Management of Fatigue

Self-monitoring of fatigue level, Energy conservation, Set priorities and realistic, Pace ,Schedule activities at time of peak energy, Labour-saving devices, Postpone nonessential activities,   Limit naps to <1 hour to not interfere with night- time sleep quality, Structured daily routine Attend to one activity at a time, Use distraction (eg, games, music, reading, socializing) Find meaning in current situation,Emphasis on meaningful interactions Promote dignity of patients ,Consider referral to appropriate specialist or supportive care provider.

STEP 5: Post-intervention data collection

After 4 weeks post-intervention, fatigue scale will be administered on both control and experimental group by questionnaire and direct face to face interview method will be used for collecting data.

STEP 6: Data analysis

Thereafter, collected data will be coded and entered in master sheet for analysis.

Plan for data analysis

Statistical analysis will be performed using statistical package for social sciences program SPSS version 20 With Descriptive and inferential statistics.

Duration of study

The study will be completed in a period of 1 year.