Successful return to work for cancer survivors.
This study investigated factors associated with successful return to work for cancer survivors in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A focus group was held with seven female cancer survivors. Participants discussed return-to-work issues following a cancer diagnosis. Factors such as coworker support and job flexibility improved their experiences, whereas coworker and supervisor ignorance about cancer and lack of support made returning to work more stressful. Participants discussed personal, environmental, and cancer-related factors that influenced their experiences with returning to work following a cancer diagnosis. Knowledge of factors that support employees helps occupational health nurses ease their transition, and may improve quality of life for employees. Physicians and health care provider teams may play a critical role in the employees' positive evaluation of their recovery process. This pilot study serves as a basis for a larger, population-based study.
Nachreiner
Nancy M
NM
Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Dagher
Rada K
RK
McGovern
Patricia M
PM
Baker
Beth A
BA
Alexander
Bruce H
BH
Gerberich
Susan Goodwin
SG
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology*