A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a guided workbook intervention to support work-related goals among cancer survivors in the UK

Grunfeld, Elizabeth and Schumacher, L. and Armaou, M. and Woods, P.L. and Rolf, P. and Sutton, A.J. and Zarkar, A. and Sadhra, S.S. (2021) A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a guided workbook intervention to support work-related goals among cancer survivors in the UK. BMJ Open 9 (1), ISSN 2044-6055.

Abstract

Objectives: Employment following illness is associated with better physical and psychological functioning. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a theoretically-led workbook intervention designed to support cancer patients returning to work. Design: Parallel-group randomized controlled trial with embedded qualitative interviews Setting: Oncology clinics within four English National Health Service Trusts Participants: Patients who had received a diagnosis of breast, gynecological, prostate or colorectal cancer and who were at least 2 weeks post-treatment initiation. Intervention: A self-guided WorkPlan workbook designed to support cancer patients to return to work with fortnightly telephone support calls to discuss progress. The control group received treatment as usual, and were offered the workbook at the end of their 12-month follow-up. Outcome measures: We assessed aspects of feasibility including eligibility, recruitment, data collection, attrition, feasibility of the methodology, acceptability of the intervention and potential to calculate cost-effectiveness. Results: The recruitment rate of eligible patients was 44%; 68 participants consented and 58 (85%) completed baseline measures. Randomization procedures were acceptable, data collection methods (including cost-effectiveness data) were feasible and the intervention was acceptable to participants. Retention rates at six and 12 months follow-up were 72% and 69% respectively. At 6-month follow-up 30% of the usual care group had returned to full or part-time work (including phased return to work) compared to 43% of the intervention group. At 12-months the percentages were 47% (usual care) and 68% (intervention). Conclusions: The findings confirm the feasibility of a definitive trial, although further consideration needs to be given to increasing the participation rates among men and Black and ethnic minority patients diagnosed with cancer.

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