Return-to-Work self-efficacy in cancer survivors: A scoping review

BackgroundWhile enhancing return-to-work self-efficacy (RTW-SE) is known to improve return-to-work (RTW) outcomes in other populations, its conceptualization, measurement, and application within cancer populations remain unclear.ObjectiveThe objective of this scoping review is to examine the empirical literature regarding how RTW-SE has been described, measured, and addressed among cancer survivors.MethodsData Sources: Seven databases were searched. In total, 1208 articles were identified and screened by title and abstract. After full-text review, 29 articles were included in the final data extraction and analysis for this scoping review. Data Extraction: Data related to sample characteristics, study design and objectives, and psychometric properties of RTW-SE measures used were extracted from full texts. Data Synthesis: Descriptive statistics were used to synthesize data extracted from the articles.ResultsTen different instruments were used across the 29 articles, with the RTWSE-11 (n = 9) being the most frequently used. Articles explored the relationship between RTW-SE and various outcome variables including employment status, and expected time to RTW. Several articles also examined the extent to which RTW-SE predicted RTW, time to RTW, and work ability. Six articles tested psychosocial interventions, with half also incorporating a physical component to improve RTW-SE. None of the articles reported information about thresholds for meaningful change for RTW-SE.ConclusionsThis scoping review summarizes the current literature that describes the role of RTW-SE among cancer survivors who are in the process of returning to work. Future research is needed to determine the predictive validity and sensitivity to change of RTW-SE measures.