Mary Stergiou-Kita1,2,3,4, Cheryl Pritlove5,6, D Linn Holness7,8,9, Bonnie Kirsh10,11, Dwayne van Eerd12,13, Andrea Duncan10, Jennifer Jones6,11. 1. Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada. mary.kita@utoronto.ca. 2. Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. mary.kita@utoronto.ca. 3. Institute of Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada. mary.kita@utoronto.ca. 4. Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. mary.kita@utoronto.ca. 5. School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada. 6. Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. 7. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 8. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada. 9. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. 10. Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada. 11. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 12. Institute of Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada. 13. School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: A critical initial step in work re-entry involves the determination of work readiness. Cancer survivors have requested increased health care provider involvement in their work readiness decisions. However, there has been no exploration of current practices in determining work readiness, and thus no specific recommendations regarding how to assist survivors in answering the question: Am I ready to return to work? METHODS: To explore return to work following cancer and the workplace supports survivors require, we completed an exploratory qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with (i) cancer survivors (n = 16) and (ii) health care/vocational service providers (n = 16). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes specific to work readiness are discussed. RESULTS: Three key processes were deemed relevant to determining work readiness by health care providers and survivors: (1) assessing functional abilities in relation to job demands; (2) identifying survivor strengths and barriers to return to work; and (3) identifying supports available in the workplace. Challenges to work readiness determinations, were described by survivors and providers, related to: (i) the complexity of cancer, (ii) the accuracy of work readiness determinations, and (iii) the lack of established processes for addressing work goals. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers need to work collaboratively with survivors to determine if they are physically, cognitively, and emotionally ready to return to work, and with workplaces to determine if they are prepared to provide the necessary supports. Further stakeholder collaboration is also warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Supports from health care providers in determining work readiness can ensure survivors do not return to work either "too early" or "too late."
PURPOSE: A critical initial step in work re-entry involves the determination of work readiness. Cancer survivors have requested increased health care provider involvement in their work readiness decisions. However, there has been no exploration of current practices in determining work readiness, and thus no specific recommendations regarding how to assist survivors in answering the question: Am I ready to return to work? METHODS: To explore return to work following cancer and the workplace supports survivors require, we completed an exploratory qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with (i) cancer survivors (n = 16) and (ii) health care/vocational service providers (n = 16). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes specific to work readiness are discussed. RESULTS: Three key processes were deemed relevant to determining work readiness by health care providers and survivors: (1) assessing functional abilities in relation to job demands; (2) identifying survivor strengths and barriers to return to work; and (3) identifying supports available in the workplace. Challenges to work readiness determinations, were described by survivors and providers, related to: (i) the complexity of cancer, (ii) the accuracy of work readiness determinations, and (iii) the lack of established processes for addressing work goals. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers need to work collaboratively with survivors to determine if they are physically, cognitively, and emotionally ready to return to work, and with workplaces to determine if they are prepared to provide the necessary supports. Further stakeholder collaboration is also warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Supports from health care providers in determining work readiness can ensure survivors do not return to work either "too early" or "too late."
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer; Cancer survivors; Employment supports; Return to work; Work readiness
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