E-nergEYEze, a vision-specific eHealth intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy and self-management to reduce fatigue in adults with visual impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Manon H.J. Veldman*, Hilde P.A. van der Aa, Christina Bode, Hans Knoop, Carel T.J. Hulshof, Marc Koopmanschap, Edwin Stavleu, Ger H.M.B. van Rens, Ruth M.A. van Nispen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    5 Citations (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    Background: More than half of the adults with visual impairment experience severe symptoms of fatigue, with a negative impact on daily life. Since there is no evidence-based treatment to reduce fatigue in adults with visual impairment, we developed E-nergEYEze, an eHealth intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy and self-management tailored to the needs of visually impaired adults. The aim is to describe the study protocol of a randomized controlled trial testing E-nergEYEze. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of E-nergEYEze to reduce fatigue severity compared to care as usual from a healthcare and societal perspective. A total of 172 severely fatigued adults with visual impairment will be recruited and randomized to either the E-nergEYEze intervention plus care as usual or to care as usual only (ratio 1:1). Inclusion criteria are having a visual impairment, experiencing severe fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength – subscale Fatigue Severity: CIS-FS > 35), being 18 years or older, understanding the Dutch language, and having access to the internet. The intervention consists of one face-to-face session and a computer training followed by internet-based modules with information and assignments on coping with fatigue. During this 5-month intervention, participants will be digitally supported by a social worker. All measurements will be administered at baseline, after 6 and 12 months, and additionally, those related to cost-effectiveness at 3 and 9 months. The primary outcome is fatigue severity (CIS-FS). Discussion: Severe fatigue on top of visual impairment compromises quality of life and is associated with incremental societal costs that largely determine the economic burden of low vision or blindness. E-nergEYEze contributes to the evidence base of potentially feasible interventions to reduce the important health-related consequences of vision loss and could fulfill the gap in knowledge, skills and treatment options for low vision services. Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register NTR7764. Registered on 28 May 2019.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number966
    JournalTrials
    Volume22
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Dec 2021

    Keywords

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • eHealth
    • Fatigue
    • Randomized controlled trial
    • Self-management
    • Visual impairment

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