Birgit Brusletto1, Steffen Torp2, Camilla Martha Ihlebæk3, Hege Forbech Vinje4. 1. Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: birgit.brusletto@usn.no. 2. Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: steffen.torp@usn.no. 3. Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Universitetstunet 1, NO-1433, Ås, Norway; Faculty of Health and Social Work Studies, Østfold University College, P.O.Box 700, NO-1757, Halden, Norway. Electronic address: camilla.ihlebak@nmbu.no. 4. Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: hege.f.vinje@usn.no.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We investigated persons who survived cancer (PSC) and their experiences in returning to sustainable work. METHODS: Videotaped, qualitative, in-depth interviews with previous cancer patients were analyzed directly using "Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis" (IPA). Four men and four women aged 42-59 years participated. Mean time since last treatment was nine years. All participants had worked for more than 3 years when interviewed. An advisory team of seven members with diverse cancer experiences contributed as co-researchers. RESULTS: The entire trajectory from cancer diagnosis until achievement of sustainable work was analog to a journey, and a process model comprising five phases was developed, including personal situations, treatments, and work issues. The theme "return-to-work" (RTW) turned out to be difficult to separate from the entire journey that started at the time of diagnosis. PSCs were mainly concerned about fighting for life in phases 1 and 2. In phase 3 and 4, some participants had to adjust and make changes at work more than once over a period of 1-10 years before reaching sustainable work in phase 5. Overall, the ability to adapt to new circumstances, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and finding meaningful occupational activities were crucial. CONCLUSIONS: Our process model may be useful as a tool when discussing the future working life of PSCs. Every individual's journey towards sustainable work was unique, and contained distinct and long-lasting efforts and difficulties. The first attempt to RTW after cancer may not be persistent.
PURPOSE: We investigated persons who survived cancer (PSC) and their experiences in returning to sustainable work. METHODS: Videotaped, qualitative, in-depth interviews with previous cancerpatients were analyzed directly using "Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis" (IPA). Four men and four women aged 42-59 years participated. Mean time since last treatment was nine years. All participants had worked for more than 3 years when interviewed. An advisory team of seven members with diverse cancer experiences contributed as co-researchers. RESULTS: The entire trajectory from cancer diagnosis until achievement of sustainable work was analog to a journey, and a process model comprising five phases was developed, including personal situations, treatments, and work issues. The theme "return-to-work" (RTW) turned out to be difficult to separate from the entire journey that started at the time of diagnosis. PSCs were mainly concerned about fighting for life in phases 1 and 2. In phase 3 and 4, some participants had to adjust and make changes at work more than once over a period of 1-10 years before reaching sustainable work in phase 5. Overall, the ability to adapt to new circumstances, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and finding meaningful occupational activities were crucial. CONCLUSIONS: Our process model may be useful as a tool when discussing the future working life of PSCs. Every individual's journey towards sustainable work was unique, and contained distinct and long-lasting efforts and difficulties. The first attempt to RTW after cancer may not be persistent.
Authors: Sara Paltrinieri; Massimo Vicentini; Elisa Mazzini; Elena Ricchi; Stefania Fugazzaro; Pamela Mancuso; Paolo Giorgi Rossi; Stefania Costi Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-05-25 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Bertrand Porro; Mario Campone; Philippe Moreau; Yves Roquelaure Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-22 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Birgit Brusletto; Roy A Nielsen; Harald Engan; Line Oldervoll; Camilla M Ihlebæk; Nina Helen Mjøsund; Steffen Torp Journal: Scand J Public Health Date: 2020-09-04 Impact factor: 3.021