title: Returning to work following curative chemotherapy: a qualitative study of return to work barriers and preferences for intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore barriers to return to work (RTW) and preferences for intervention and support for cancer patients treated with curative intent from the perspectives of cancer survivors and oncology health professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants attended a focus group (N = 24) or an individual interview (N = 14). A topic guide and a semi-structured recorded interview format were used to gather data, which were later transcribed and analysed for global themes and subthemes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With regard to barriers, the global theme 'work capacity' captured an array of barriers encompassing financial pressure, preparedness for work, lack of confidence as well as other key physical, practical and psychosocial barriers. Participants expressed a preference for RTW models that focus on objective and structured assessment whilst allowing for flexibility to address individual needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cancer survivors perceive multiple barriers when attempting to RTW. These barriers were perceived to impact upon work capacity, where 'capacity' was defined broadly to include practical, physical and psychosocial concerns. RTW is an important concern for cancer survivors and structured RTW interventions should be incorporated into the care of cancer survivors.
authors: Epidemiology & Health Systems Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Level 1, 147 Wharf Street, Spring Hill, QLD, 4000, Australia, vikki.knott@menzies.edu.au.
authors: Vikki
authors: V
authors: Knott
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Zrim
authors: E Michael
authors: EM
authors: Shanahan
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Anastassiadis
authors: Sharon
authors: S
authors: Lawn
authors: Ganessan
authors: G
authors: Kichenadasse
authors: Shawgi
authors: S
authors: Sukumaran
authors: Christos
authors: C
authors: Karapetis
authors: Bogda
authors: B
authors: Koczwara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D057240:Patient Preference; D036301:Qualitative Research; D062707:Return to Work / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*