Practice-Based Evidence to Support Return to Work in Cancer Patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Occupational Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• International research highlights the need for early, hospital-based return to work (RTW) support for cancer patients.
• Oncology health professionals' awareness of RTW evidence does not guarantee its implementation in practice.
• This study explores health care professionals' (HCPs) knowledge and perspectives on their role in the cancer patient RTW process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current practices and viewpoints of oncology health care professionals regarding their role in supporting cancer patients' return to work.
• To identify barriers and success factors influencing the implementation of evidence-based RTW support in oncology care.
• To develop recommendations for best practices in RTW support for cancer patients within hospital settings.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with oncology HCPs to understand current practices.
• Focus group discussions with oncology hospital managers, informed by interview results, to establish best practices.
• Involvement of 75% of Belgian oncology health care institutions.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: institutional role in RTW support, current RTW support content, scientific evidence, barriers/success factors, and legislation.
• Best practice recommendations emphasize a generic, patient-adapted approach coordinated by an RTW coordinator.
• RTW support is integrated into current care but implemented inconsistently.

Conclusions:

• Health care providers offer RTW support, but with significant variability in approach.
• A structured process from patient indication to agreed-upon objectives is crucial.
• Recommendations include integrating specific RTW support points into patient and hospital-level regulations.