Fatigue is complex, influenced by physical, cognitive, behavioural, and contextual factors. Its management requires a nuanced understanding of underlying mechanisms and multidisciplinary approaches. 

This 15 credit distance learning module, Managing Fatigue in Long Term Health Conditions, addresses these challenges by exploring fatigue as a symptom of chronic illness, its development and persistence, and strategies for effective management. You will engage with contemporary evidence and apply learning to their own professional practice, ensuring relevance and practical impact.

The module aims to:

• Build a critical understanding of fatigue as a complex symptom in long-term conditions.
• Review evidence on its development, persistence, and assessment across clinical contexts.
• Evaluate tools and patient-reported measures for monitoring fatigue.
• Appraise pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies.
• Apply evidence-based approaches through case-based learning.

On successful completion of this level 7 (Masters level) module, you will be able to:

• Critically discuss the phenomenon of chronic fatigue and appraise fatigue as a symptom of disease/illness.    
• Critically examine current scientific understanding of the development and persistence of fatigue in clinical contexts.    
• Apply a critical awareness of evidence-based assessments, interventions and management strategies to a relevant case from their own area of practice.

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, and the Professional Development Awards. 

Content

The module topics will be informed by current research evidence relating to chronic fatigue and its management in long term health conditions. It will typically include key areas such as:

• The definition of fatigue in the context of long term conditions.
• Physical, contextual, and cognitive and behavioural factors underlying fatigue.
• Current evidence about fatigue symptoms and factors associated with fatigue development in clinical conditions such as ME/CFS, Long COVID, cancer, long term neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and long term musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Assessments of fatigue including patient reported outcome measures.
• Introduction to pharmacological inventions for fatigue management and examination of the evidence base for non-pharmacological interventions including cognitive-behavioural approaches, and physical exercise and the role of the multidisciplinary team, family and social support.

Learning and Teaching

This distance learning module combines scheduled and self-directed learning. You will engage with online tutorials and group discussions, case study work, online materials, discussion forums, essential reading and assessment preparation.

Self-directed learning is central to the module, allowing you to explore topics relevant to their clinical practice. 

Tutor-supported discussions will guide independent study, and the assessment is designed to reflect this approach.

Study time

The level 7 (Masters level) module will be delivered as a distance learning module. The majority of the module is based on self-directed learning using a range of online resources, directed reading, independent reading and discussion forums.

A small number of contact hours (typically up to three hours) will be scheduled during the module for online group discussion and tutor support.

Assessment

Assessment for this distance learning module comprises a structured case report (3,000-words maximum) where you will be required to identify an appropriate case from your area of professional practice and present an evidence-based discussion of the management of the case. 

You will receive formative feedback primarily through written contributions posted on online discussion forums. These forums will serve as a space for students to share draft work, engage in peer discussions, and receive constructive feedback from tutors and peers. This approach encourages ongoing reflection and development throughout the module.