ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Return to work for cancer survivors (CSs) may be challenging, and there is a research gap in integrating the relevant experiences of the return-to-work decision-making process for CSs. Our aim was to synthesize existing qualitative research that integrates the dynamic experiences of CSs in the return-to-work decision-making process and highlights the factors influencing the return-to-work decisions of CSs. METHODS: We retrieved qualitative studies on a relevant theme published in the PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases since construction to December 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data analysis followed the PRISMA, Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool (2016), and thematic analysis methods to ensure study reliability. The study was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023429623). RESULTS: Ten articles were included, and six key outcomes were identified based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) integration: points of concern for individuals, sense of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, work perception and belonging, medical advice and guidance, and effects of the external reactions. CONCLUSION: The decision-making process for CSs to return to work is affected by various personal and external factors. Effectively addressing personal appearance, financial, and emotional issues can enhance self-efficacy of CSs. Improving external perceptions of cancer patients and enhancing social support in the workplace and medical settings can help CSs make informed decisions regarding their return to work. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The decision of CSs to return to work is a result of integrating personal, job, and medical care considerations. These findings contribute to the development of future interventions for CSs' return-to-work decisions that target an array of potential factors.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The research on cancer patients returning to work in China is still in its infancy, and there is no research and discussion on the adaptability to return-to-work for cancer patients. It is critical to develop the Adaptability to Return-to-Work Scale (ARTWS) for cancer patients and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: The items of the initial scale were compiled based on the theoretical model and literature review results. Through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation (N = 15) and a pilot survey (N = 40), the initial scale was further checked and revised. Conduct a large sample survey (N = 376) and the construct validity and reliability of the ARTWS were assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: The final ARTWS consisted of 24 items. "Focusing on rehabilitation," "Rebuilding Self-efficiency," and "Adjusting plans" as common factors in determining adaptability to return to work for cancer patients, and the cumulative variance contribution rate for these three factors was 66.6%. The S-CVI of the total scale was 0.979. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.937 and the 2-week test-retest reliability was 0.814. Discussion: ARTWS has good correlation validity and can be used as a tool to measure the adaptability of cancer patients' return to work. The presentation of the manuscript in Research Square (https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2323264/v1).
