Patients with Chronic Fatigue Complaints Without a Somatic Diagnosis After Consultation at the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating chronic fatigue, a common and complex symptom affecting about 30% of people in the Netherlands for over six months. The study aims to find out how often diagnostic tests during fatigue consultations at an internal medicine outpatient clinic lead to a somatic diagnosis and to understand the experiences of patients who do not receive a diagnosis after such consultations. This mixed-method study combines reviewing past medical records and conducting interviews to explore patient perspectives. The research includes two parts: a retrospective analysis of electronic health records to evaluate the outcomes of diagnostic procedures like blood work, ECG, and chest X-rays during fatigue consultations; and a prospective qualitative study where patients with unexplained fatigue are interviewed about their experiences shortly after their clinic visit and again 6 and 12 months later. The interviews follow an open, exploratory approach based on Grounded Theory. Participants will be adults referred for fatigue at the internal medicine outpatient clinic. Data will be collected on diagnostic test results and patient experiences through interviews. The study will measure outcomes such as blood test, ECG, and chest X-ray results within two weeks of consultation, and patient experiences at multiple time points up to one year after their visit. The findings aim to improve diagnostic approaches and patient care for those with chronic fatigue.

Chronic Fatigue in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic: a Mixed-methods Quantitative and Qualitative Study