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Rydland HT, Bentsen HL, Ervik R, Grønning K, Islam K, Kjerstad E, Skogedal Lindén T. Promoting labour market inclusion of the chronically ill: a scoping review of Scandinavian countries' efforts. Scand J Public Health 2023; 51:1097-1107. [PMID: 35535443 PMCID: PMC10642227 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221096005] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article is a scoping review of efforts in labour market inclusion of the chronically ill in the Scandinavian countries, a research area that has received much political as well as research attention in recent years. The aim of the review was to identify promising strategies and the need for further research. METHODS Six electronic databases were searched for literature published between 2015 and 2020. We included peer-reviewed articles that studied the effect of measures, aimed at the workplace or at the individual, that are intended to increase participation. Our search resulted in 2718 articles; our screening procedures resulted in 47 included articles. RESULTS Among the included studies, musculoskeletal problems (17 articles) and mental health problems (29 articles) were the most frequent chronic conditions. Multimodal occupational rehabilitation programmes directed towards the individual employee were the most frequent interventions (30 articles). Return to work (24 articles) and sickness absence (12 articles) were the most common outcomes. About half (25 articles) of the included studies reported a positive impact of the intervention on work inclusion of the chronically ill. CONCLUSIONS Our review found little evidence of how government programmes directed towards the supply side of the labour market succeed in including the chronically ill. Our review further indicated that multidisciplinary workplace interventions have a substantial effect. We also identified a significant lack of research on the effect of various governmental policies and programmes, including local health, work and welfare services, and limited coordination and cooperation between health and work services professions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rune Ervik
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjersti Grønning
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kamrul Islam
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
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Kersten A, van Woerkom M, Geuskens GA, Blonk RWB. Organisational Policies and Practices for the Inclusion of Vulnerable Workers: A Scoping Review of the Employer's Perspective. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:245-266. [PMID: 36083361 PMCID: PMC9461424 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Current models of inclusive workplaces are primarily based on the perceptions of vulnerable workers, whereas attention for employer's perceptions is lacking. This scoping review addresses this issue by mapping the literature that covers employer's perceptions on the application and importance of organisational policies and practices aimed at the inclusion of vulnerable workers. Methods A literature search for qualitative and quantitative research articles was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, PsychInfo, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Studies were included when (a) they reported on practices aimed at the inclusion, participation, or rehabilitation of (b) workers with disabilities, a low education or migration background, or who were long-term unemployed, and (c) were based on samples of employers or their representatives. Results The search resulted in 3,134 articles. In total, 38 articles met the inclusion criteria of this study. We identified seven types of inclusive practices to stimulate the inclusion of vulnerable workers that employers applied and/or perceived as valuable: senior management commitment, recruitment and selection, performance management and development practices, job accommodations and redesign of work, supportive culture, external collaborations with other employers, and monitoring. Conclusions Our review identified seven categories of inclusive practices that pertain to all stages of the employee journey of vulnerable workers. These categories move beyond those reported in studies based on employee samples, for instance by highlighting the importance of monitoring and collaborations with other employers. Hence, our findings stress that insight into employers' perceptions about effective measures is crucial to increase labour market participation of vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kersten
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M van Woerkom
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Center of Excellence for Positive Organisational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G A Geuskens
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R W B Blonk
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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Nguyen NAT, Auquier P, Beltran Anzola A, d'Oiron R, Biron-Andréani C, Lienhart A, Rauch A, Baumstarck K, Boucekine M, Milien V, Rosso-Delsemme N, Tabele C, Giraud N, Sannié T, Chambost H, Resseguier N. Occupational integration of adults with severe haemophilia (INTHEMO): A study based on the FranceCoag registry. Haemophilia 2022; 28:962-976. [PMID: 35858674 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14620] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health of people with severe haemophilia (PwSH) improves thanks to the advancements in haemophilia care, giving them more opportunities in occupational integration. However, there is little literature on the occupational integration of PwSH. OBJECTIVES The main objective of our study was to assess the occupational integration of PwSH and to compare it with that of the general population. The secondary objective was to study the association between individual characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical and psycho-behavioural) and occupational integration of PwSH. METHODS A multicentre, non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-2020 on PwSH, aged over 18 and under 65 years and included in the FranceCoag registry. Measurements included indicators of occupational integration, sociodemographic, clinical and psycho-behavioural characteristics. The indicators of occupational integration were compared with those of the general population, using indirect standardization. The data of the general population were available from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). Determinants of occupational integration were explored using structural equation modelling. RESULTS Of 1262 eligible people, 588 were included. PwSH had a lower employment rate than the general population (standardized ratio, .85; 95% CI, .77-.94). There were more PwSH at tertiary education level than expected (standardized ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17-1.61). HIV infection, poor physical health and mental health concerns were associated with a higher risk of unemployment in PwSH. CONCLUSION Employment rate of PwSH is lower than that of the general population despite their higher education level. Target interventions focusing on determinants of difficult occupational integration could be helpful for PwSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Anh Thu Nguyen
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France.,FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France
| | - Any Beltran Anzola
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Roseline d'Oiron
- Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Bicêtre Hospital, University Hospital of Paris (APHP), Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Anne Lienhart
- Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Hospital Edouard Herriot, University Hospital of Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Antoine Rauch
- Haemophilia Treatment Centre, University Regional Hospital of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Karine Baumstarck
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France.,FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Boucekine
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France.,FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France
| | - Vanessa Milien
- FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France.,Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Timone Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Natacha Rosso-Delsemme
- Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Timone Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Clemence Tabele
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Giraud
- Association française des hémophiles (AFH), Paris, France
| | - Thomas Sannié
- Association française des hémophiles (AFH), Paris, France
| | - Hervé Chambost
- FranceCoag Network, Marseille, France.,Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Timone Hospital, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Noémie Resseguier
- CEReSS - Health Services and Quality of Life Research, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Methodological Support Unit for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital of Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
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Kirkland JT, Berry A, Beck Dallaghan GL, Moore Z, Koonce TF. Social Factors of Health Care: a Thematic Analysis of First and Second Year Medical Student Reflections. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2021; 31:1685-1692. [PMID: 34603841 PMCID: PMC8446133 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing health disparities is necessary to ensure appropriate care for patients. This study examined the impact of Clinical Week experiences on students' recognition of social determinants of health early in their medical education. METHODS A 5-day experience each of the first three semesters of medical school provided direct patient care experiences. Two Clinical Weeks were spent in outpatient clinics located primarily in rural areas. Students completed a reflective writing assignment about their experiences after each 5-day experience. Ninety-two reflections during AY 2018-2019 included discussions about social determinants of health. Two investigators analyzed these essays independently using narrative inquiry techniques. After inductive coding was complete, researchers discussed themes and their broader meaning. RESULTS Themes emerged related to health disparities experienced by rural communities, minority populations, and both uninsured and underinsured patients. Reflections emphasized a lack of public accommodations in rural settings, such as public transportation and access to healthy food. Students noted how ethnic, cultural, and linguistic identity affect a patient's experience with healthcare. Other themes involved the challenges patients face affording treatment plans and conversely how health status can impact economic stability. Finally, students emphasized the importance of physician advocacy in overcoming such barriers to quality health care. CONCLUSIONS Although not the emphasis of Clinical Week, students' reflections identified critical social issues impacting the health of patients they encountered. This experience could be adapted at other institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aiden Berry
- Department of Medicine-Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary L. Beck Dallaghan
- Office of Educational Scholarship, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Zach Moore
- Office of Academic Affairs, University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Thomas F. Koonce
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Greidanus MA, de Rijk AE, Frings-Dresen MHW, Tiedtke CM, Brouwers S, de Boer AGEM, Tamminga SJ. The Use and Perceived Usefulness of an Online Toolbox Targeted at Employers (MiLES Intervention) for Enhancing Successful Return to Work of Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:393-404. [PMID: 33090355 PMCID: PMC8172399 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The MiLES intervention is a web-based intervention targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing successful return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the employers' use and perceived usefulness of the MiLES intervention. METHODS Employer representatives (e.g. Human Resource managers and supervisors) were given access to the MiLES intervention, which contains, among others, interactive videos, conversation checklists and tailored tips. After six weeks, an online questionnaire gathered data on employers' use and the perceived usefulness of the intervention. In-depth qualitative data on these topics were gathered during semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis. RESULTS Thirty-one eligible employers were included. Twenty-two of them filled out the questionnaire and twenty were interviewed. Typically, employers used the intervention 2-3 times, for 26 min per visit. The usefulness of the intervention scored 7.6 out of 10 points, and all employers would recommend it to colleagues. Employers' use decreased when support needs were low and when the intervention did not correspond with their specific situation (e.g. complex reintegration trajectories). Employers perceived the intervention to be supporting and practically oriented. They appreciated the fact that the intervention was web-based and combined visual and textual content. The possibility of consulting specialized services for complex situations would further enhance its usefulness. CONCLUSION The MiLES intervention provides employers with a useful tool in their daily practice. Its effectiveness for enhancing employers' managerial skills and cancer survivors' successful RTW is subject for further research.
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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, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Research Institute Primary Care and Public Health (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, 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
| | - C M Tiedtke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Brouwers
- 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 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
| | - 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
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6
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Greidanus MA, de Boer AGEM, Tiedtke CM, Frings-Dresen MHW, de Rijk AE, Tamminga SJ. Supporting employers to enhance the return to work of cancer survivors: development of a web-based intervention (MiLES intervention). J Cancer Surviv 2020; 14:200-210. [PMID: 31938966 PMCID: PMC7182637 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention targeting employers, with the aim of enhancing cancer survivors' return to work (RTW). METHODS Intervention Mapping was used to combine information gathered from several procedures involving numerous stakeholders, for example, employers, cancer survivors, oncological occupational physicians, and e-health experts. RESULTS Employers indicated that they require tailored support during four RTW phases: (1) disclosure, (2) treatment, (3) RTW planning, and (4) actual RTW. The most important employer actions were identified for each RTW phase, for instance, "communicate," "support practically," and "assess work ability," and thereafter formulated as the performance objectives of the intervention. The trans-theoretical model of change was used as a theoretical framework, and several methodologies were employed to induce the desired behavior change, for example modeling, tailoring, and active learning. Subsequently, a web-based intervention with interactive videos, conversation checklists, links to reliable external sources, and succinct, tailored tips and information was developed and adjusted on the basis of pre-tests with different stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was developed with input from employers and all relevant stakeholders in the RTW of cancer survivors. The systematic, step-wise development resulted in a succinct and easily accessible intervention targeting the most important employer actions during all RTW phases. As such, the intervention corresponds with employers' needs and preferences in practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS By providing employers with support, the intervention could well be the missing link in efforts to optimize the work participation of cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Greidanus
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A G E M de Boer
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C M Tiedtke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M H W Frings-Dresen
- 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, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Research Institute Primary Care and Public Health (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S J Tamminga
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Silvaggi F, Eigenmann M, Scaratti C, Guastafierro E, Toppo C, Lindstrom J, Rantala E, Imaz-Iglesia I, Barnfield A, Maassen A, Leonardi M. Employment and Chronic Diseases: Suggested Actions for The Implementation of Inclusive Policies for The Participation of People with Chronic Diseases in the Labour Market. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030820. [PMID: 32013004 PMCID: PMC7037802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the number of people living with one or more chronic diseases has increased dramatically, affecting all sectors of society, particularly the labour market. Such an increase of people with chronic diseases combined with the aging of working population affects income levels and job opportunities, careers, social inclusion and working conditions. Both legislation and company regulations should take into account the difficulties that workers experiencing chronic diseases may face in order to be able to formulate innovative and person-centred responses to effectively manage this workforce while simultaneously ensuring employee wellbeing and continued employer productivity. The European Joint Action "CHRODIS PLUS: Implementing good practices for Chronic Diseases" supports European Union Member States in the implementation of new and innovative policies and practices for health promotion, diseases prevention and for promoting participation of people with chronic diseases in labour market. Therefore, a Toolbox for employment and chronic conditions has been developed and its aim is to improve work access and participation of people with chronic diseases and to support employers in implementing health promotion and chronic disease prevention activities in the workplace. The Toolbox consists of two independent instruments: the Training tool for managers and the Toolkit for workplaces that have been tested in different medium and large companies and working sectors in several European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Silvaggi
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +390-2394-2188
| | - Michela Eigenmann
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Scaratti
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Erika Guastafierro
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Claudia Toppo
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Jaana Lindstrom
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland; (J.L.); (E.R.)
| | - Eeva Rantala
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland; (J.L.); (E.R.)
| | - Iñaki Imaz-Iglesia
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III—“Carlos III” Institute for Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- REDISSEC, Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione Irccs Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.E.); (C.S.); (E.G.); (C.T.); (M.L.)
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Return to Work Interventions for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and a Methodological Critique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081343. [PMID: 31014004 PMCID: PMC6518012 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer patients are more at risk of being unemployed or having difficulties to return to work (RTW) compared to individuals without health concerns, and is thus a major public health issue. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and describe the interventions developed specifically to help cancer patients to RTW after treatment. Two researchers independently screened the articles for inclusion and Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists were used to assess the methodology of the included studies. Ten manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The type of studies were three quasi-experimental studies, three longitudinal studies, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a qualitative study. RTW interventions were conducted in or outside the hospital (n = 6 and 3 respectively), or both (n = 1). Improvements in RTW were only observed in quasi-experimental studies. No improvement in RTW was noted in RCTs, nor in other measures (e.g., quality of life, fatigue). Lack of statistically significant improvement does not necessarily reflect reality, but may be attributed to non-adapted research methods. This systematic review underscores the need for researches in the RTW field to reach a consensus on RTW criteria and their assessment. Recommendations to this effect are suggested.
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