Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
Leukaemia Foundation, North Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Aust Occup Ther J. 2021 Aug;68(4):298-307. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12727. Epub 2021 Mar 8.
Progress in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer has translated into more people in Australia living with and beyond cancer. Therefore, there is a larger number of people returning to work following cancer treatment while managing ongoing symptoms of cancer, and side effects of treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the facilitators and barriers for return to work for someone with cancer, from the perspective of occupational therapists.
This study used a qualitative descriptive design. Participants were recruited via key contacts within the industry and relevant interest groups, and included eight occupational therapists with experience supporting someone with cancer to return to work. Data were collected in semi-structured in-depth Interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.
Two main themes were developed; expectations of the cancer experience versus reality, and vulnerability during return to work. Occupational therapists perceived that the person with cancer, employers, family members, co-workers, and society underestimate the impact of ongoing cancer symptoms on return to work. Return to work was challenging as survivors face unexpected challenges due to ongoing fatigue, cognitive difficulties, or psychological factors. Fear of relapse, concerns regarding disclosure affecting how people with cancer are perceived at work, and worries of leaving the high levels of professional support during treatment, also affected return to work.
Findings from this study may contribute to occupational therapists and people with cancer setting realistic expectations for the return to work experience. Furthermore, it may provide support for occupational therapists to work more effectively with their clients to facilitate a smoother transition back to work as a cancer survivor.
在癌症的早期检测、诊断和治疗方面取得的进展，使得澳大利亚有更多的人能够在癌症存活下来并继续生活。因此，有更多的人在癌症治疗后重返工作岗位，同时应对癌症的持续症状和治疗的副作用。本研究的目的是从职业治疗师的角度探讨癌症患者重返工作岗位的促进因素和障碍。
本研究采用定性描述设计。通过行业内的关键联系人以及相关利益团体招募参与者，包括 8 名具有支持癌症患者重返工作经验的职业治疗师。采用半结构式深入访谈收集数据，对访谈进行录音、逐字转录，并进行主题分析。
得出两个主要主题；对癌症经历的期望与现实的对比，以及重返工作时的脆弱性。职业治疗师认为，癌症患者、雇主、家庭成员、同事和社会低估了持续的癌症症状对重返工作的影响。重返工作岗位具有挑战性，因为幸存者面临着持续疲劳、认知困难或心理因素等意想不到的挑战。对复发的恐惧、对披露影响癌症患者在工作中被人看待的担忧，以及对离开治疗期间高水平专业支持的担忧，也影响了重返工作岗位。
本研究的结果可能有助于职业治疗师和癌症患者对重返工作岗位的经历设定现实的期望。此外，这可能为职业治疗师提供支持，以便更有效地与他们的客户合作，促进癌症幸存者更顺利地过渡到工作岗位。
