Schumacher, L. and Armaou, M. and Rolf, P. and Sadhra, S. and Sutton, A. and Zarkar, A. and Grunfeld, Elizabeth (2017) Usefulness and engagement with a guided workbook intervention (WorkPlan) to support work related goals among cancer survivors. BMC Psychology 5 (34), ISSN 2050-7283.
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Abstract
Background:Returning to work after cancer is associated with improved physical and psychological functioning,but managing this return can be a challenging process. A workbook based intervention (WorkPlan) was developedto support return-to-work among cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore how participants using theworkbook engaged with the intervention and utilised the content of the intervention in their plan to return-to-work.Methods:As part of a feasibility randomised controlled trial, 23 participants from the intervention group wereinterviewed 4-weeks post intervention. Interviews focussed on intervention delivery and data was analysed usingFramework analysis.Results:Participants revealed a sense of empowerment and changes in their outlook as they transitioned from patientto employee, citing the act of writing as a medium for creating their own return-to-work narrative. Participants foundthe generation of a return-to-work plan useful for identifying potential problems and solutions, which also served as atool for aiding discussion with the employer on return-to-work. Additionally, participants reported feeling less uncertainand anxious about returning to work. Timing of the intervention in coordination with ongoing cancer treatments wascrucial to perceived effectiveness; participants identified the sole or final treatment as the ideal time to receive theintervention.Conclusions:The self-guided workbook supports people diagnosed with cancer to build their communication andplanning skills to successfully manage their return-to-work. Further research could examine how writing plays a role inthis process.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keyword(s) / Subject(s): | Cancer, Oncology, Return to work, Intervention |
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Beth Grunfeld |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Oct 2017 15:48 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2023 17:35 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/19919 |
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