Abstract | BACKGROUND: Survivorship following diagnosis of cancer is increasing in prevalence. However, cancer survivors continue to report difficulty re-entering the workplace after diagnosis and treatment. AIMS: To survey UK occupational health physicians (OHPs) regarding their role in rehabilitation of employed survivors of cancer. METHODS: Following a pilot study, a questionnaire exploring opinions of OHPs regarding supporting cancer survivors' return to work was posted to all members of the UK Society of Occupational Medicine, with a repeat posting 2 months later. Responses were analyzed for significant correlations with OHP age, sex, qualification level, size of businesses advised and years of experience. RESULTS: There were 797 respondents (response rate 51%). Responses suggested opportunities for developing the knowledge base in relation to prognosis and functional outcomes in patients with a cancer diagnosis; instituting information resources on cancer and work for OHPs and developing communications skills training. Most respondents felt managers treated referral to occupational health ( OH) differently for employees with cancer compared with management referral for employees with other diagnoses, with 45% of respondents indicating referral may take place too late to be effective in securing a return to work. A significant lack of understanding of the information requirements of employers and the role of OH by treating doctors was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This survey raises several possible significant barriers to return to work by cancer survivors. Recommendations to ameliorate these are made.
|
Authors | Ziv Amir, Philip Wynn, Stuart Whitaker, Karen Luker |
Journal | Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)
(Occup Med (Lond))
Vol. 59
Issue 6
Pg. 390-6
(Sep 2009)
ISSN: 1471-8405 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19073991
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Clinical Competence
- Employment
(organization & administration, statistics & numerical data)
- England
- Female
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Interprofessional Relations
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Needs Assessment
- Neoplasms
(psychology, rehabilitation)
- Occupational Health Services
- Organizational Policy
- Physician's Role
- Physician-Patient Relations
- Pilot Projects
- Referral and Consultation
(organization & administration)
- Sick Leave
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Survivors
|