School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
J Occup Rehabil. 2013 Mar;23(1):93-105. doi: 10.1007/s10926-012-9386-9.
Research suggests that for many cancer survivors, returning to work has a range of benefits. However, considerable barriers have been identified as influencing the quality of return to work outcomes. This study explored the perspectives of Australian cancer survivors, managers and employee assistance program (EAP) professionals to gain an understanding of the return to work process and factors that affect the experience.
Focus groups and interviews were conducted with cancer survivors (n = 15), managers (n = 12), and EAP professionals / psychologists (n = 4) from public and private sectors. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data to identify common and unique themes from the three participant groups.
A range of drivers were identified including maintaining normality and regaining identity, which could act positively or negatively depending on survivors' coping ability and self awareness. Analysis revealed communication difficulties in the workplace that impact on emotional and practical support. Negotiating an employee's return is complex, influenced by the level of consultation with the employee and use of an ad hoc or structured process. Direct and indirect ways of supporting employees with cancer were identified, as was the need for colleague and manager support.
This study supports previous research findings of the impact of cancer on work, and reveals managers' lack of knowledge on how to respond appropriately. The process of returning to work is complex, influenced by employees' and managers' attitudes, communication skills and coping abilities. Areas for workplace interventions to optimise support for the cancer survivor are described.
研究表明，对于许多癌症幸存者来说，重返工作岗位有一系列好处。然而，已经确定了相当多的障碍会影响重返工作岗位的质量。本研究探讨了澳大利亚癌症幸存者、经理和员工援助计划（EAP）专业人员的观点，以了解重返工作的过程和影响体验的因素。
对来自公共和私营部门的癌症幸存者（n=15）、经理（n=12）和 EAP 专业人员/心理学家（n=4）进行了焦点小组和访谈。采用主题分析对数据进行分析，以从三个参与者群体中识别出共同和独特的主题。
确定了一系列驱动因素，包括保持常态和恢复身份，这可能会根据幸存者的应对能力和自我意识产生积极或消极的影响。分析揭示了工作场所中的沟通困难，这会影响情感和实际支持。协商员工的回归是复杂的，受到与员工咨询程度和使用临时或结构化流程的影响。确定了直接和间接支持癌症患者的方式，以及同事和经理支持的必要性。
本研究支持了先前关于癌症对工作影响的研究结果，并揭示了经理在如何做出适当反应方面缺乏知识。重返工作岗位的过程是复杂的，受到员工和经理的态度、沟通技巧和应对能力的影响。描述了优化癌症幸存者支持的工作场所干预措施的领域。
