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Tiedtke CM, Blonk RW, Van Rhenen W, Van Egmond MP, Joosen MC. Tailored support for preparing employees with cancer to return to work: Recognition and gaining new insights in an open atmosphere. Work 2023; 76:1519-1533. [PMID: 37355925 PMCID: PMC10741312 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A considerable number of cancer survivors face difficulties in returning to work (RTW). More insight is needed on how to support employees shortly after cancer treatment and help them make the transition back to work. OBJECTIVE To gain an in-depth understanding of how and under what circumstances a Cancer & Work Support (CWS) program, which assists sick-listed employees with cancer in preparing their RTW, works. METHODS A qualitative design was used, inspired by Grounded Theory and Realist Evaluation components. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with RTW professionals (N = 8) and employees with cancer (N = 14). Interview themes covered experiences with CWS, active elements, and impeding and facilitating factors. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed by multiple researchers for contextual factors, active mechanisms, and the outcomes experienced. RESULTS Respondents experienced the support as human centered, identifying two characteristics: 'Involvement' ('how' the support was offered), and 'Approach' ('what' was offered). Four themes were perceived as important active elements: 1) open connection and communication, 2) recognition and attention, 3) guiding awareness and reflection, and 4) providing strategies for coping with the situation. Variation in the experiences and RTW outcomes, appeared to be related to the personal, medical and environmental context. CONCLUSION Both professionals and employees really appreciated the CWS because it contributed to RTW after cancer. This research shows that not only 'what' RTW professionals do, but also 'how' they do it, is important for meaningful RTW support. A good relationship in an open and understanding atmosphere can contribute to the receptiveness (of employees) for cancer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corine M. Tiedtke
- Tranzo-Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Roland W.B. Blonk
- Tranzo-Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Resource Studies, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- TNO Innovation for Life, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Willem Van Rhenen
- Arbo Unie, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Center for Human Resource Organization and Management Effectiveness, Nyenrode Business University, Breukelen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Margot C.W. Joosen
- Tranzo-Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Resource Studies, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Maheu C, Kocum L, Parkinson M, Robinson L, Bernstein LJ, Zanchetta MS, Singh M, Hernandez C, Yashmin F, Esplen MJ. Evaluation of Usability and Satisfaction of Two Online Tools to Guide Return to Work for Cancer Survivors on the Cancer and Work Website. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2022; 32:452-463. [PMID: 34800244 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-021-10011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prompt services and work-focused support systems are needed to aid cancer survivors returning to work or finding work. Purpose This knowledge translation and implementation project focused on the knowledge users' experience and need for refinement of three work-focused tools to support return to work and maintain work following cancer through their participation in a hands-on workshop. The tools assessed for their utility are a Job Analysis Tool (JAT), a Return to Work (RTW) tool, and a bilingual Canadian website on Cancer and Work. Methods Four workshops took place in three Canadian cities. Participants included cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and employer representatives. Following an overview of the website and tools, workshop participants (N = 28) completed qualitative and quantitative satisfaction and usability questionnaires using the System Usability Scale and open-ended questions. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analyses from the think-aloud data and from the four open-ended questions collected during the users' use of the tools and website. Results Overall, most study participants reported high satisfaction with the JAT and RTW tools, the Cancer and work website and the workshop. Good usability scores were reported for the RTW planner (73.65 ± 12.61) and the website (74.83 ± 12.36), and only acceptable usability scores for the JAT (68.53 ± 11.90). Conclusion Overall, the study documented the value of the tools and the website to support the RTW process as assessed by several key knowledge user groups. The JAT is considered a helpful procedure to identify job demands in order to guide job accommodations. Given participants' responses that the tool is useful, the next steps are to implement the recommendations for improvement and knowledge dissemination to increase its uptake and the use of job analysis overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Maheu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2M7, Canada.
| | - Lucie Kocum
- Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3C3, Canada
| | - Maureen Parkinson
- BC Cancer Agency, Patient & Family Counselling, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, Canada
| | - Lynne Robinson
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Lori J Bernstein
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Supportive Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Margareth Santos Zanchetta
- Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, M5B 1Z5, Canada
| | - Mina Singh
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Claudia Hernandez
- Patient Partner from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Toronto, ON, M5H 1J8, Canada
| | - Fatima Yashmin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2M7, Canada
| | - Mary Jane Esplen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
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Schallig MMT, Bültmann U, Ranchor AV, van Zon SKR. Does social support at home moderate the association between social support at work and work functioning among cancer patients? J Cancer Surviv 2021; 17:871-883. [PMID: 34820788 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01132-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to examine (1) the longitudinal associations of supervisor and colleague social support with work functioning in cancer patients who have returned to work and (2) the moderating role of social support at home. METHODS Data from the longitudinal Work Life after Cancer study were used (n = 384). Work functioning (low versus moderate to high work functioning) was measured with the validated Work Role Functioning Questionnaire 2.0. Social support at work was measured from both supervisor and colleagues with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Social support at home was measured with the Social Support List-Discrepancies. Logistic generalized estimating equations were used to analyse associations between supervisor and colleague social support and work functioning, and to examine the possible moderating effect of social support at home. RESULTS More supervisor (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.32) and colleague (1.13; 1.03, 1.24) social support were significantly associated with moderate to high work functioning. The association between colleague social support and work functioning was attenuated for those who did not experience enough social support at home but remained almost significant for supervisor social support (1.17; 1.00, 1.37). CONCLUSIONS Supervisor social support is associated with better work functioning regardless of social support at home, while colleague social support is only associated with better work functioning when cancer patients experience enough social support at home. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Occupational physicians may play a key role in creating awareness that social support at work and at home are beneficial for cancer patients' work functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon M T Schallig
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adelita V Ranchor
- Department of Health Sciences, Healthy Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander K R van Zon
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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