Feasibility of a home-based self-management program for chronic fatigue

Purpose: This study evaluated the feasibility of a 12-week home-based self-management program for unexplained chronic fatigue (UCF) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods: Self-report outcomes included measures of fatigue impact, physical function, depression, and global change. A web diary measured daily compliance with self-management activities. Results: Study withdrawals (20.8%) were due to time constraints, confidentiality concerns, or illness recovery. Subjects (N = 19) showed excellent compliance (62.3%) on the web diary. Participant feedback indicated high satisfaction. Effect sizes were large for fatigue severity, physical functioning, and depression. Conclusions: A home-based self-management program for UCF and CFS may offer improved patient access to treatment that may be unavailable, inconvenient, or costly.