Development of a return-to-work planning tool for cancer survivors
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Mary Stergiou-Kita; Jennifer M. Jones; Leila Amin
- Source
- Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 84:223-228
- Subject
- 030506 rehabilitation
business.industry
Health care provider
Communication
media_common.quotation_subject
Return to work
Clinical Practice
03 medical and health sciences
Negotiation
Return to Work
0302 clinical medicine
Quality of life (healthcare)
Cancer Survivors
Occupational Therapy
Nursing
030220 oncology & carcinogenesis
Quality of Life
Humans
Medicine
Workplace
0305 other medical science
business
media_common
- Language
- ISSN
- 1911-9828
0008-4174
The ability to return to work (RTW) after a cancer diagnosis can present significant challenges for survivors and can be an important predictor of their long-term quality of life. Survivors report concerns related to disclosing their cancer diagnosis, describing ongoing late effects of cancer, and negotiating workplace accommodations.This paper outlines the development of an RTW planning template (RTW-PT) designed to improve communication with stakeholders involved in the RTW process. Lessons learned throughout the process of developing the RTW-PT and implications for clinical practice are presented.The RTW-PT assists the survivor and his or her health care provider to prioritize job demands during a graded RTW and to identify potential accommodations. The RTW-PT also helps survivors plan how they will communicate their RTW needs, particularly with employers and insurance representatives.The RTW-PT offers a structured approach to support communication among stakeholders involved in the RTW process and to assist survivors in negotiating workplace accommodations.