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Salit RB, Lee SJ, Bhatt NS, Carpenter PA, Fan X, Armstrong A, Oshima MU, Connelly-Smith L, Krakow E, Lee CJ, Vo P, Mehta R, Syrjala KL. Returning to Work Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The Survivor's Perspective. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:612.e1-612.e12. [PMID: 38561139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2024.03.028] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
While curing a patient's underlying disease is the primary goal of physicians performing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), the ultimate objective is to provide patients with optimal post-HCT quality of life. For many survivors, this includes returning to work (RTW). We conducted a survey of 1- to 5-yr post-HCT survivors at our center to evaluate their perspective on facilitators and barriers to RTW as well as to gauge interest in potentially useful RTW support interventions. Survivors aged 18 to 65 yrs (n = 994) were sent an annual survey that included 36 supplementary questions about post-HCT RTW. Survey questions were selected from published national cancer survivor surveys and then modified specifically for HCT survivors. Three hundred forty-four (35%) survivors with a mean age of 53 yrs completed the survey, of whom 272 (79%) had worked prior to their diagnosis. Of those 272 patients, 145 (53%) were working currently and another 22 (8%) had attempted to go back to work following HCT but were not presently working. We found that having had an allogeneic versus autologous HCT (P = .006) was associated with a decreased likelihood of currently working, whereas frequent employer communication (>once a month) (P = .070) and having a more supportive employer (P = .036) were associated with a greater chance of currently working. Of survivors currently working, 45% reported that they had made one or more changes to their work schedule (e.g., flexible schedule or part-time work) or environment (e.g., work from home) upon RTW. Ninety-five percent of responders reported that they could have benefited from RTW support provided by the transplant center, but only 13% indicated that they had received it. Education on RTW challenges, information on disability benefits, and access to physical therapy were among the most requested support interventions. To improve post-HCT quality of life for survivors open to assistance, providers should address work status and goals, recognize barriers to successful return, and offer RTW support including working directly with employers. Allogeneic HCT survivors are particularly vulnerable to failing attempts to RTW and should be the target of retention interventions. A previously published manuscript on RTW guidance for providers of stem cell transplant patients endorsed by the American Society of Transplant and Cellular Therapy is available in Open Access and can be used as a tool to counsel and support these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Salit
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Stephanie J Lee
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Neel S Bhatt
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul A Carpenter
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Xinyi Fan
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Statistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ailie Armstrong
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Social Work, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Masumi Ueda Oshima
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura Connelly-Smith
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth Krakow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Catherine J Lee
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Phuong Vo
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rohtesh Mehta
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Karen L Syrjala
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
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Prevalence and Determinants of Return to Work as a Patient-Centered Outcome in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2022; 17:228-242. [PMID: 36194316 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-022-00678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Employment is an important indicator of health and functional recovery for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors and has significant social and economic impacts. Cancer survivors treated with conventional non-HCT therapy are known to be at a higher risk of unemployment or not returning to work after completion of therapy compared with the control population. However, the literature on return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors remains limited. RECENT FINDINGS Here we summarize the evidence on prevalence and determinants of return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors using previously published literature. Findings from previously published research show that return to work or unemployment is a major concern among HCT survivors, especially for allogeneic HCT recipients, and prior studies have identified several modifiable risk factors associated with it. Survivors' post-HCT employment status is significantly associated with quality of life, impacting physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of their lives. We also highlight the gaps in current knowledge such as limited information on employment outcomes of childhood, adolescent, and young adult HCT survivors; work-related challenges among employed HCT survivors; consequences of work-related challenges; and interventions to improve return to work among HCT survivors. Findings highlighted in this review make a strong case of a multidisciplinary return-to-work support for HCT survivors to properly address their needs.
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Kurosawa S, Yamaguchi T, Mori A, Matsuura T, Masuko M, Murata M, Tashiro H, Kako S, Satake A, Hagihara M, Ota S, Saito T, Kagawa K, Matsuo Y, Itonaga H, Uoshima N, Yamaguchi H, Naito K, Takahashi M, Fukuda T. Incidence and predictors of recurrent sick leave in survivors who returned to work after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. J Cancer Surviv 2022; 17:781-794. [PMID: 36048313 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01250-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although rather favorable probabilities of return to work have been reported after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), survivors often have difficulty continuing to work because of their immunocompromised status and diverse late effects after allo-HCT. We evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for recurrent sick leave in allo-HCT survivors after they initially returned to work. METHODS We targeted allo-HCT survivors who were employed at diagnosis, aged 20-64 at survey, and survived for ≥ 2 years without relapse. Of the 1904 survivors who were informed of the study, 1148 returned the questionnaire (60%), and 1048 eligible participants were included in the overall analysis. In the present study that considered recurrent sick leave after return to work, we targeted 896 participants who returned to work at least once after allo-HCT. Participants stated if they had recurrent sick leave after returning to work and its reasons, as well as associated patient-, HCT/HCT center-, and work-related factors and clinical events after allo-HCT. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore correlated factors for recurrent sick leave. RESULTS In survivors who returned to work, 30% required recurrent sick leave. The most frequent causes of recurrent leave were physical issues (72%), and analysis of free descriptions demonstrated that these were mainly associated with graft-versus-host disease, infection, or readmission. Other reasons included work-related issues such as gap between physical and working conditions. Multivariate analysis showed that cord blood transplantation, longer employment duration, and counseling from healthcare professionals were associated with a lower risk of recurrent leave. Readmission, immunosuppressant use, and symptoms involving the respiratory system, gut, and joints and muscles were associated with a higher risk. CONCLUSIONS Our results drawn from a large cohort study should help healthcare professionals identify and assist at-risk patients. Multi-professional teams that provide continuous support and effective communication with the workplace are necessary to improve long-term outcomes after allo-HCT. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS In order to continue working after the initial return to work, it is important to receive counseling from healthcare professionals and obtain reasonable accommodation from workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiko Kurosawa
- Department of Oncology, Ina Central Hospital, 1313-1 Koshiro-kubo, Ina, Nagano, 396-8555, Japan. .,Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takuhiro Yamaguchi
- Division of Biostatistics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayako Mori
- Nursing Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsuura
- Nursing Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Nursing Division, Fukuoka National Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Masuko
- Department of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Murata
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Haruko Tashiro
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kako
- Division of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Satake
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Maki Hagihara
- Department of Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ota
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Clinical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Kagawa
- Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuo
- Department of Hematology, Hamanomachi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Itonaga
- Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Uoshima
- Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Kensuke Naito
- Department of Hematology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Miyako Takahashi
- Japan Cancer Survivorship Network, Tokyo, Japan.,Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.,The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Fukuda
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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