Patient-reported outcomes from a workplace intervention program for cancer survivors highlight ongoing needs to support continuation of work

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of cancer survivors who continue to work and provide information to evaluate and develop a supportive workplace program (Ensemble) based on the principles of navigation. Methods: A mixed-methods design using surveys and open-ended questions was used to study the perceptions of two groups of cancer survivors in the same workplace: those who chose to use a workplace navigational program (Ensemble program users) and those who declined (non-users). Key outcomes were communication and attitudinal self-efficacy, measured by the Communication and Attitudinal Self-Efficacy scale for cancer (CASE-cancer); emotional and informational social support, measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Social Support domain (PROMIS-Social Support); and satisfaction with the navigator relationship, measured using the Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator (PSN-I). Results: The study included 7 program users and 17 non-users. There were no significant differences in attitudinal self-efficacy, emotional support, or informational support between the groups. The relationship with the Nurse Navigator was rated highly by program users. The most frequent themes to the open-ended responses included work demands, privacy, integration of life and work, and program improvement. Conclusions: Successful reintegration into/continuation of work remains a key need for cancer survivors. The navigation program design for cancer survivors should be further improved and applied across work settings.