Purpose. To test the sensitivity, specificity, and usefulness of the Dutch Fatigue Scale (DUFS), which is based on NANDAs defining characteristics of fatigue.
Methods. A cross-sectional design was used among domiciliary patients (N = 213) with chronic heart failure (n = 138) and with breastfeeding postpartum women (n = 75).
Findings. Calculations of the sensitivity and specificity of the DUFS, comparisons of the average DUFS sumscores between both nonfatigued and fatigued subjects, as well as between patients with chronic heart failure and postpartum women, and correlation coefficients performed with sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education) demonstrate acceptable psychometric properties.
Conclusions. The DUFS is a reliable and valid measurement tool for the assessment of fatigue.
Practice Implications. Accurate recognition of the existence and extent of fatigue must precede interventions. Easy to use, reliable tools for the bedside nurse are invaluable assets to practice.
Search Terms: Fatigue, measurement of fatigue, psychometric testing
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