Understanding chronic fatigue in outpatient clinics
Patients with Chronic Fatigue Complaints for Whom a Consultation Including Diagnostics Do Not Reveal a Somatic Diagnosis Atthe Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic
This study is trying to see how well doctors can diagnose chronic fatigue in outpatient clinics and to understand what patients feel when they leave without a diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Flevoziekenhuis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Almere Stad, Flevoland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06775262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of diagnostic procedures for chronic fatigue in an internal medicine outpatient clinic and explores patient experiences when no diagnosis is made. It employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a retrospective analysis of electronic health records to assess the diagnostic yield of fatigue consultations with qualitative interviews to gather insights from patients who leave without a diagnosis. The aim is to enhance understanding and management of chronic fatigue, which affects a significant portion of the population. By integrating quantitative and qualitative data, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive view of the diagnostic process and patient experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults at the internal medicine outpatient clinic referred for fatigue who did not receive a somatic diagnosis.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age or those who do not speak Dutch fluently may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic strategies and better management of chronic fatigue for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on chronic fatigue exist, this mixed-methods approach focusing on both diagnostic efficacy and patient experiences is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Cohort 1: Inclusion Criteria: * Patients under 18 years of age; * Patients lost to follow-up. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients at the internal medicine outpatient clinic with a referral for fatigue e.c.i. * Patients who visited the clinic after the 1st of April 2022. Cohort 2: Inclusion criteria * Patients at the internal medicine outpatient clinic with a referral for fatigue e.c.i. whose consultation did not bring about a somatic diagnosis Exclusion criteria: * Patients under 18 years of age; * Patients that do not speak Dutch fluently
Where this trial is running
Almere Stad, Flevoland
- Flevoziekenhuis — Almere Stad, Flevoland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marije Ten Wolde, MD Phd — Flevoziekenhuis
- Study coordinator: Jack Dahan, Bsc
- Email: j.dahan@flevoziekenhuis.nl
- Phone: +31681388354
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.