Abstract:
The present study aimed at analyzing and synthesizing research-based evidence related exercise to relieve fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The PICO framework was used as the framework in the search. Research studies published in either Thai or English between 2000 and 2012 were retrieved. There were seven research studies which matched the selection criteria and were analyzed in accordance with the study objectives. Of these, four were research studies in level 3, and three were in level 4. The findings related to needs of patients, patterns of fatigue, management of fatigue with exercise, steps in the intervention, duration of exercise, knowledge before and during exercise, assessment of exercise outcomes, instruments used to assess the outcomes, and factor affecting fatigue could be applied to promote exercise in patients, make them realize the significance of exercise, and enable them to manage their fatigue, all of which benefit from continuous and complete radiotherapy as specified in the treatment plan, reduce possible physical and psychological complications during radiotherapy, decrease rates of hospital re-admission during radiotherapy, and increase quality of life. The knowledge derived in the present study benefited breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, promoted provision of care by the multidisciplinary team, ensure coordination among the nursing care team, and encouraged self-care of exercise among breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Thus, it is recommended that the evidence-based findings be disseminated among related organizations and further studies be conducted in accordance with the organizational contexts.