In this project I was PhD supervisor
This PhD project was funded by a grant from the Maarten van der Weijden Foundation, allocated to researchers of the Helen Downing Institute (Marije van der Lee, Melanie Schellekens). The project was conducted by Tom Bootsma. I served as a PhD supervisor. The project ran from 2018 until 2022. Tom defended his PhD at Tilburg University at November 15th, 2023.
Project description
One of the most prevalent side effects of cancer and its treatment is fatigue. It is characterized by feelings of weakness, exhaustion and lack of energy. One third of cancer patients suffer from severe fatigue up till months and even years after successful treatment. This persistent fatigue, which is defined as Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue (CCRF), is a complex, multifactorial condition that is often accompanied by significant distress and reduces patients’ quality of life. As the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase considerably in the next years, the need for highly effective treatments will become even more pressing. While existing treatment options can be effective, we do not know which (combination) of treatment is most effective for the individual patient. This project explores what treatment is most effective for the individual patient suffering from chronic cancer-related fatigue. By taking the network approach and focusing on the patient perspective we hope to contribute to more personalized and precise treatment for cancer patients.
Main output
Bootsma, T.I., Schellekens, M.P.J., Van Woezik, R.A.M., Van der Lee, M.L., Slatman, J. (2019). Experiencing and responding to Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue: A meta-ethnography of qualitative research. Psycho-Oncology. Open access
Bootsma, T.I., Schellekens, M.P.J., Van Woezik, R.A.M., Van der Lee, M.L., Slatman, J. (2020). Belichaamde ervaringen van patiënten met ernstige chronische vermoeidheid na kanker: een interpretatieve fenomenologische studie. Kwalon 25(3): 39-52
Bootsma, T.I., Schellekens, M.P.J., Van Woezik, R.A.M., Slatman, J., Van der Lee, M.L.(2021) Forming new habits and beliefs in the face of chronic cancer-related fatigue: An interpretative phenomenological study. Supportive Care in Cancer. Open access
Bootsma, T.I., Schellekens, M.P.J., Van Woezik, R.A.M., Van der Lee, M.L., Slatman, J (2021). Navigating severe Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Psychology and Health. Open access
M. P. Schellekens, T. I. Bootsma, R. A. van Woezik & M. L. van der Lee (2021). Personalizing psychological care for chronic cancer-related fatigue: A case study on symptom dynamics. Journal for Person-Oriented Research. Vol. 7 Open access
Bootsma, T.I., Schellekens, M.P.J., Van Woezik, R.A.M., Slatman, J., Van der Lee, M.L (2022) Using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment and personalized feedback for patients with chronic cancer-related fatigue: A proof-of-concept study. Internet Interventions. Open access