Research
To kick-start the project, research was conducted on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). One question guided the research: "How does chronic fatigue affect lives of people?", which was then sub-divided into 5 research questions. With these questions, we broadened our knowledge on the subject at hand before starting work on the product. This way, we could better accommodate our case during our moments of contact. Furthermore, this basic understanding gave us the opportunity to dive deeper into the specifics of the conditions of our case, and how they might differentiate from the norm.
Below, the five sub-questions and our main research question are answered, with linked PDF's to the full analyses. On top of this, the method of research is also explained.
How does chronic fatigue affect lives of people?
The goal of our research is to understand how fatigue affects the lives of the people who have it. Chronic fatigue can have different effects on different people. Sometimes it is only a part of their disease or symptoms. This research’s aim is to understand it, to find a way to help people with chronic fatigue, by designing a product.
The main research question has been divided into five sub-questions, listed below. Complete research papers of each sub-question can be downloaded by clicking the PDF-icon, placed next to each sub-question.
01
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) causes persistent fatigue along with cognitive, musculoskeletal, and sleep-related symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through medication and behavioral strategies. Those affected must adjust their routines to cope with the condition.
02
How does chronic fatigue develop for long-COVID patients?
Studies suggest a link between long COVID and the development of CFS, but more research is needed to understand the causes and why some individuals are more susceptible than others.
03
How do people who have chronic fatigue experience it?
Chronic fatigue varies in severity and symptoms, often leading to negative emotional effects. Patients struggle to heal physically and mentally while gradually resuming activities and seeking better medical support.
04
How does society react to people who have chronic fatigue?
Society often reacts negatively to people with chronic fatigue, with inadequate healthcare, lack of doctor training, and harmful stereotypes. Seeking care is challenging due to the energy required. After COVID, awareness has improved, but stigma remains, with patients often labeled as lazy or dramatic. Greater education on CFS could help foster empathy and change.
05
What current means exist to help with having chronic fatigue?
Assiting people with chronic fatigue requires a balanced approach. Education is crucial, helping both the public and healthcare workers understand the condition better, which supports personalised care and medicine. Good nutrition also plays a key role, with dietary adjustments helping to manage symptoms effectively. Each of these elements is vital in the journey of living with chronic fatigue.
Search Strategy
Full Document Search Report
To conduct the research a strategy was used. This strategy is divided into two elements, namely Search Criteria and Search Tools & Techniques. The criteria include sources from multiple languages, different disciplines (medicine, design and lifestyle) and recent information. The tools and techniques used are Google Scholar, Internet research and Scopus.
Gather and Categorise Search Terms
Key concepts include among others: (synonyms are in brackets)
-
Fatigue (tiredness, exhaustion, weariness)
-
Managing (cope, deal with)
-
Experience (testimonial)
-
Society (civilisation, the public)
These concepts also include narrower and broader terms, which can be seen in the full document listed on the left of the page.
Search Technique
-
Google Scholar (queries on managing fatigue and tools for chronic fatigue)
-
Google (queries on chronic fatigue and how to deal with it)
-
Scopus (queries on viewpoints and quality of life of people with chronic fatigue)
Selected sources include papers discussing tips for living with chronic fatigue syndrome, managing life with chronic fatigue and the overlap of long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, and are listed in the full document.
Conclusion
How does chronic fatigue affect lives of people?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) significantly impacts the lives of those affected, presenting a complex list of symptoms that range from mild to severe, including cognitive, musculoskeletal, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms require significant lifestyle adjustments. The condition's association with long COVID highlights the need for further research to understand its development and differences among individuals.
Emotionally, chronic fatigue can lead to a variety of negative feelings, making recovery and resumption of daily activities challenging. The societal response to CFS is often negative, with insufficient healthcare support and negative stereotypes, which can increase the difficulties faced by patients. Education and empathy are crucial in improving societal and medical responses to the condition.
Effective management of chronic fatigue requires a more personal approach, including activity pacing, sleep and pain management and good nutrition. Personalised care and better education for healthcare providers and the public are required to support those living with chronic fatigue.
Conducting research on CFS helps to get insights into how people who experience it, live with it. Due to CFS-management requiring a more personal approach, the research steered the group in a direction of coming up with ideas and solutions for problems that the case-owner personally may encounter. Meaning the design will be specifically made for her. The research helped the group in better understanding the case-owner, who is further introduced in the Case Owner page.