Conducting my therapeutic externship within the outpatient clinic and emergency department of a large medical hospital, I have seen multiple patients with moderate to severe medical issues. The impact of health related issues ranges from some impairment in daily functioning to taking a considerable toll on social and emotional wellbeing. One of the most common health issues experienced by patients is cancer. Though cancer and other associated conditions present in a multitude of ways, emotional distress and physical fatigue are more than common.
An interesting meta-analysis conducted by Kangas, Bovbjerg & Montgomery (2008) identified two important factors to assist in the battle against cancer-related fatigue, a clinical issue they noted as present in more than 10 million adults, worldwide. The authors found that various exercise programs could increase vitality and reduce fatigue, particularly when done alongside radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, psychosocial interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive-expressive therapy and some related counseling modalities were found to be beneficial in increasing energy and vitality, particularly following more intensive medical treatment approaches. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions conducted within the hospital were found to be slightly more effective than those done in the individual’s home, though both saw improvements within eight weeks of sessions.
This meta-analysis serves as a highly validating example of my personal belief that the mind-body connection cannot be underestimated and that providing therapeutic interventions within the individual’s immediate environment facilitates greater treatment adherence and recovery. The practice implications are clear, though I wonder how often this simple prescription is passed along to the patient.
Citation: Kangas, M., Bovbjerg, D.H. & Montgomery, G.H. (2008). Cancer-related fatigue: A systematic and meta-analytic review of non-pharmacological therapies for cancer patients. Psychological Bulletin, 134(5), 700-741.
