Purpose/Objectives: To present a reconceptualization of fatigue.
Data Sources: Studies indexed in CINAHL®, MEDLINE®, PubMed,
Psyc INFO, SPORTDiscus, and CancerLit from 1995–2004; studies
included in the bibliographies of indexed articles; and fi ve qualitative
studies conducted by the author.
Data Synthesis: Tiredness and exhaustion are conceptually distinct
from fatigue. All three concepts are located along an adaptational continuum
in a manner consistent with stress theory.
Conclusions: Interventions should focus on the elimination or reduction
of stressors and the increase of patients’ resistance to stressors.
Implications for Nursing: Interventions that prevent or delay progression
from tiredness to fatigue will be different from those that prevent or
delay progression from fatigue to exhaustion.