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Supportive Care in Cancer

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Open Access 01-01-2016 | Original Article

Factors influencing work functioning after cancer diagnosis: a focus group study with cancer survivors and occupational health professionals

Authors: H. F. Dorland, F. I. Abma, C. A. M. Roelen, J. G. Smink, A. V. Ranchor, U. Bültmann

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Cancer survivors (CSs) frequently return to work, but little is known about work functioning after return to work (RTW). We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of work functioning among CSs.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted with CSs (n = 6, n = 8 and n = 8) and one focus group with occupational health professionals (n = 7). Concepts were identified by thematic analysis, using the Cancer and Work model as theoretical framework to structure the results.

Results

Long-lasting symptoms (e.g. fatigue), poor adaptation, high work ethics, negative attitude to work, ambiguous communication, lack of support and changes in the work environment were mentioned as barriers of work functioning. In contrast, staying at work during treatment, open dialogue, high social support, appropriate work accommodations and high work autonomy facilitated work functioning.

Conclusions

Not only cancer-related symptoms affect work functioning of CSs after RTW but also psychosocial and work-related factors. The barriers and facilitators of work functioning should be further investigated in studies with a longitudinal design to examine work functioning over time.

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Title: Factors influencing work functioning after cancer diagnosis: a focus group study with cancer survivors and occupational health professionals
Authors: H. F. Dorland
F. I. Abma
C. A. M. Roelen
J. G. Smink
A. V. Ranchor
U. Bültmann
Publication date: 01-01-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2764-z

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Abstract

Purpose

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