Published: 26-03-2018

We searched the heoro.com databases bespoke ontology of over 5,200 PRO instruments to identify studies reporting the use of PRO tools used to measure fatigue, and the geographical settings in which these studies were conducted. We ran the search from 1960 to 5^th December 2017 and analysed the abstracts identified by the search to determine the range of geographical locations, disease types, and commonality of fatigue specific tools. We presented the findings as an Evidence Map.

Download a free copy of the Evidence Map here. To use the Map, open it in Microsoft Excel and enable macros.

We found a total of 341 abstracts. Of these, 94 reported the use of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory/index (MFI), 74 cited the use of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and 69 reported the use of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-F). A total of 37 different PRO tools including the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Fatigue Impact Scale, PROMIS Fatigue module, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Bell’s, Piper and Chalder’s scales and the Maastricht Questionnaire, were cited across 34 countries, the most common being the USA (97 abstracts), followed by the Netherlands (43), the UK (29) and Germany (25).

Studies reporting PRO instruments measuring fatigue: A selection of PRO tools by location 

The 348 papers measured fatigue in 76 different disease areas which were classified into 15 disease groups, the most frequently stated being cancer (88 abstracts) followed by neurological disorders (71), musculoskeletal disorders (44) and systemic inflammatory diseases (20).

Studies reporting PRO instruments measuring fatigue: Diseases in which fatigue was assessed

The search identified that the number of studies involving the measurement of fatigue has increased over time, from 12 studies conducted before the year 2000, up to 223 studies since the year 2010. 

 Studies reporting PRO instruments measuring fatigue: Years of Study

This highlights the popularity of these measurements and confirming the relevance of this study type for research today.

You can download a free copy of the Evidence Map here.

Written and Created by Alexandra Furber

Research assistant at Crystallise