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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 4/2016

27.01.2016

Am I ready to return to work? Assisting cancer survivors to determine work readiness

verfasst von: Mary Stergiou-Kita, Cheryl Pritlove, D. Linn Holness, Bonnie Kirsh, Dwayne van Eerd, Andrea Duncan, Jennifer Jones

Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Ausgabe 4/2016

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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.”
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Metadaten
Titel
Am I ready to return to work? Assisting cancer survivors to determine work readiness
verfasst von
Mary Stergiou-Kita
Cheryl Pritlove
D. Linn Holness
Bonnie Kirsh
Dwayne van Eerd
Andrea Duncan
Jennifer Jones
Publikationsdatum
27.01.2016
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Ausgabe 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Elektronische ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0516-9

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