Perceived barriers and facilitators for return to work among colorectal cancer survivors: Malaysian healthcare professionals experience- A qualitative inquiry

Abstract

Return to work (RTW) can be a challenging occupational health (OH) issue among previously-employedcolorectal cancer survivors. This study aimed to explore the various perceived barriers and facilitators encountered duringthe RTW process in cancer survivorship, from the perception of healthcare professionals (HCP). Face to face, semistructuredinterviews were carried out on twelve HCP (government and private sectors) from various disciplines. Datacollected were transcribed verbatim and data management was aided by NVivo software 8.0. A new theory from contextualdata was generated using open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The HCP shared numerous barriers andfacilitators associated with RTW, under four categories. The key barriers were disturbing side effects, psychological barriers(personal factor), compensation (financial factor), poor ability to multitask (work-related factor), long paid medicalleaves policy, employer's lackadaisical attitude, lack of knowledge and awareness of RTW (environmental factor). Keyfacilitators identified were desire to resume working life and to contribute to society (personal factor), financial pressure,maintain organizational health insurance (financial factor), less physically demanding job (work-related factor), supportiveworkplace and strict organizational policy on medical leaves (environmental factor). While not all HCP were trainedin RTW, they all agreed that RTW is important for survivors and workplace. Occupational health doctors have a directrole in helping survivors RTW. Early Intervention on RTW during survivorship should involve occupational healthdoctors and employers, targeting the modifiable factors (environmental and work-related) to improve RTW after cancer.