1
|
Berkhout MA, Tamminga SJ, de Boer AGEM, Dewa CS, de Jong A, de Rijk AE, Greidanus MA. Pilot implementation of MiLES: a web-based intervention targeted at managers with the aim of enhancing the successful return to work of employees with cancer. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:765-773. [PMID: 37504953 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2238886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MiLES is a web-based intervention targeted at managers with the aim of enhancing the successful return to work (RTW) of employees with cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementing MiLES in organizations, from a manager's perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS MiLES was implemented as a pilot in four organizations for six weeks. Sixteen managers were included, of which fourteen were interviewed regarding their perceived barriers to and facilitators of implementation of MiLES in their organization. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed with content analysis. RESULTS The managers experienced barriers to and facilitators of implementation related to: (1) implementation responsibilities, (2) the intervention's content, and (3) organizational characteristics. Regarding implementation responsibilities, management board approval and an organizational infrastructure with distinct described implementation responsibilities were perceived as facilitators. Regarding the intervention's content, its accessibility, user-friendliness and completeness were perceived as facilitators. If the content did not meet the manager's specific needs, this was perceived as a barrier. Regarding organizational characteristics, several intangible (e.g., added value of MiLES within different organizations) and tangible (e.g., integration into absenteeism registration) organizational characteristics were perceived as facilitators. The absence of a quiet place to use MiLES was perceived as barrier. CONCLUSION Implementation of MiLES in organizations may benefit from an infrastructure within the organization that defines responsibilities regarding intervention delivery to managers of employees with cancer. Such an infrastructure should be aligned to existing organizational structures. As per interviewed managers, MiLES has added value in diverse organizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Berkhout
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Nursing Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S J Tamminga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A G E M de Boer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer treatment and Quality of life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C S Dewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - A de Jong
- Department of Nursing Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A E de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Primary Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M A Greidanus
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Viseux M, Tamminga SJ, Greidanus MA, Porro B, Roquelaure Y, Bourdon M. Enhancing Emotional Skills of Managers to Support the Return to Work of Cancer Survivors: A Research Opinion Focusing on Value, Feasibility and Challenges. Front Psychol 2022; 13:910779. [PMID: 35903738 PMCID: PMC9319043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Viseux
- UMR INSERM 1246 SPHERE “Methods in Patient-Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch”, Nantes University, University of Tours, Nantes, France
- *Correspondence: Marie Viseux
| | - Sietske J. Tamminga
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michiel A. Greidanus
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bertrand Porro
- University of Angers, University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- UMR Inserm S 1085, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) – University of Angers, CHU Angers, University of Rennes, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Marianne Bourdon
- UMR INSERM 1246 SPHERE “Methods in Patient-Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch”, Nantes University, University of Tours, Nantes, France
- Integrated Center for Oncology, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coenen P, Zegers AD, de Vreeze N, van der Beek AJ, Duijts SFA. 'Nobody can take the stress away from me': a qualitative study on experiences of partners of patients with cancer regarding their work and health. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 45:1696-1704. [PMID: 35604402 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2074547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore experienced health- and work-related problems of partners of patients with cancer, and their needs for support. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Dutch partners of patients with cancer. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically, following the six steps of Braun & Clarke. RESULTS Of 20 included partners (mean age: 50 years [31-63]), 60% was female. Five themes consistently emerged from the data: 1) overwhelming chaos calls for taking control; 2) impact of prolonged stress; 3) flexibility and support of the employer are crucial; 4) coping with family and friends is a delicate matter; and 5) support from healthcare professionals is needed, but not a given. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study show that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked. The state of survival mode that partners get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation. Given this high burden and as legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appear to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer. Implications for RehabilitationThe survival mode that partners of patients with cancer get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation.This study showed that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked.Given this high burden and because legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appears to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Coenen
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amber D Zegers
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nadia de Vreeze
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Allard J van der Beek
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia F A Duijts
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,The Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Research & Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Porro B, Campone M, Moreau P, Roquelaure Y. Supporting the Return to Work of Breast Cancer Survivors: From a Theoretical to a Clinical Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095124. [PMID: 35564514 PMCID: PMC9105271 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Promoting the return to work of breast cancer survivors is of major interest to patients, healthcare and occupational health professionals, companies, governments, and researchers worldwide. We previously conducted a French consensus study resulting in a model describing the multifactorial process of the return to work of breast cancer survivors (the REWORK-BC model). Other work has identified the transtheoretical model as a relevant theoretical framework for interventions to promote the return to work of cancer survivors. In this opinion paper, we provide a theoretically-based clinical framework describing how to support breast cancer survivors at each stage of the return-to-work process. This clinical framework considers several essential aspects of supportive care for breast cancer survivors returning to work, such as: (i) helping the patient actively self-manage, by considering her to be the main decision-maker; (ii) respecting and adapting to the patient’s choice of professional project; (iii) respecting the temporality of the patient’s choices; (iv) proposing tailored interventions; (v) implementing simple tools to promote the return to work, shared representation between the patient and a multidisciplinary team, and improvement of working conditions and the knowledge of health and occupational professionals, and managers or employers; and (vi) maintaining certain flexibility aimed at proposing, but never imposing, changes in practices. This clinical framework, specific to breast cancer survivors, could be extrapolated to other tumor types, offering a practical guide for healthcare and occupational health professionals to better understand the return-to-work process of cancer survivors. This clinical framework aims to be a usable tool for any hospital or cancer care center wishing to implement a patient-centered intervention that promotes returning to work, regardless of the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Porro
- Univ. Angers, Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario Campone
- Oncology Department, Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, F-44805 Saint-Herblain, France;
- Center for Research in Cancerology and Immunology Nantes-Angers, Inserm UMR 1232, Univ. Nantes and Univ. Angers, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Moreau
- University Hospital Hôtel-Dieu, 44000 Nantes, France;
- University of Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ. Angers, Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France;
- Univ. Angers, CHU Angers, Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Greidanus MA, de Rijk AE, de Boer AGEM, Bos MEMM, Plaisier PW, Smeenk RM, Frings-Dresen MHW, Tamminga SJ. A randomised feasibility trial of an employer-based intervention for enhancing successful return to work of cancer survivors (MiLES intervention). BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1433. [PMID: 34289828 PMCID: PMC8293550 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Employers express a need for support during sickness absence and return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. Therefore, a web-based intervention (MiLES) targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing cancer survivors' successful RTW has been developed. This study aimed to assess feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. Also preliminary results on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention were obtained. METHODS A randomised feasibility trial of 6 months was undertaken with cancer survivors aged 18-63 years, diagnosed with cancer < 2 years earlier, currently in paid employment, and sick-listed < 1 year. Participants were randomised to an intervention group, with their employer receiving the MiLES intervention, or to a waiting-list control group (2:1). Feasibility of a future definitive RCT was determined on the basis of predefined criteria related to method and protocol-related uncertainties (e.g. reach, retention, appropriateness). The primary effect measure (i.e. successful RTW) and secondary effect measures (e.g. quality of working life) were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months thereafter. RESULTS Thirty-five cancer survivors were included via medical specialists (4% of the initially invited group) and open invitations, and thereafter randomised to the intervention (n = 24) or control group (n = 11). Most participants were female (97%) with breast cancer (80%) and a permanent employment contract (94%). All predefined criteria for feasibility of a future definitive RCT were achieved, except that concerning the study's reach (90 participants). After 6 months, 92% of the intervention group and 100% of the control group returned to work (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81-1.03); no difference were found with regard to secondary effect measures. CONCLUSIONS With the current design a future definitive RCT on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention on successful RTW of cancer survivors is not feasible, since recruitment of survivors fell short of the predefined minimum for feasibility. There was selection bias towards survivors at low risk of adverse work outcomes, which reduced generalisability of the outcomes. An alternative study design is needed to study effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been registered in the Dutch Trial Register ( NL6758/NTR7627 ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Greidanus
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A E de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A G E M de Boer
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M E M M Bos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P W Plaisier
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Albert Schweitzerplaats 25, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R M Smeenk
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Albert Schweitzerplaats 25, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M H W Frings-Dresen
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S J Tamminga
- Department Public and Occupational Health/ Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|