Work-related experiences of head and neck cancer survivors: an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study

摘要

Purpose: This exploratory and descriptive study contributes to the growing knowledge about the return-to-work (RTW) experience of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Viewing RTW as a process, participants were asked to consider the work-related experience with HNC at different phases: (1) at diagnosis/ pre-treatment, (2) working during treatment (if the respondent did not take a work disability leave), and (3) post-treatment/RTW (if the respondent took a work disability leave). Methods: Data were gathered in nine individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with patients receiving treatment at a quaternary cancer center's HNC clinic in Ontario, Canada. Using a constant comparative method of theme development, codes were identified in and derived from the data. Codes with similar characteristics were grouped, used to develop overarching themes, and were organized according to the RTW factors identified in the literature. Results: Each phase has different barriers that are in turn addressed by different facilitators. As reflected in the literature, we found that RTW or the process of work continuation is complex. Many players and interactions contribute to the worker's experience. Conclusions: By recognizing that work-related experiences differ by phases, clinicians and employers can better support HNC survivors depending on the phase of the RTW process