Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective

Survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are less likely to return to work (RTW) post-treatment than other cancer survivors and to experience the benefits that RTW brings. Factors influencing RTW for Australian survivors of HNC are inadequately documented. This study aimed to explore the experiences...

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Main Authors: E. Matthews, L. McDowell, G. K. B. Halkett, M. O’Connor, C. Gibson, D. M. Sheppard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023-01-01
Series:Cancer Survivorship Research & Care
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/28352610.2023.2276101
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author E. Matthews
L. McDowell
G. K. B. Halkett
M. O’Connor
C. Gibson
D. M. Sheppard
author_facet E. Matthews
L. McDowell
G. K. B. Halkett
M. O’Connor
C. Gibson
D. M. Sheppard
author_sort E. Matthews
collection DOAJ
description Survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are less likely to return to work (RTW) post-treatment than other cancer survivors and to experience the benefits that RTW brings. Factors influencing RTW for Australian survivors of HNC are inadequately documented. This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with HNC in relation to their transition back to work following treatment and factors related to work readiness, motivations and aids and barriers to RTW for this population. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine this process in ten survivors of HNC less than 18 months post-treatment. Reflexive thematic analysis allowed common influences on the RTW process to be determined. Five major themes were identified: motivation to RTW, the impact of treatment, perceptions of the RTW process, influence of the workplace, and support options. Overall, the RTW process for survivors of HNC is complex and influenced by the financial need to resume work and the long-term physical impacts of treatment. System-specific issues related to the Australian welfare system are also directly impacting decision-making.
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series Cancer Survivorship Research & Care
spelling doaj-art-b9feaa6b6f5b43e9a04ca6fbaf35e8b02025-08-20T02:17:57ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCancer Survivorship Research & Care2835-26102023-01-011110.1080/28352610.2023.2276101Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspectiveE. Matthews0L. McDowell1G. K. B. Halkett2M. O’Connor3C. Gibson4D. M. Sheppard5Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Monash University, Clayton, AustraliaDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, AustraliaCurtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, AustraliaSchool of Population Health/Enable Institute/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, AustraliaCurtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, AustraliaMonash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Monash University, Clayton, AustraliaSurvivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are less likely to return to work (RTW) post-treatment than other cancer survivors and to experience the benefits that RTW brings. Factors influencing RTW for Australian survivors of HNC are inadequately documented. This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with HNC in relation to their transition back to work following treatment and factors related to work readiness, motivations and aids and barriers to RTW for this population. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine this process in ten survivors of HNC less than 18 months post-treatment. Reflexive thematic analysis allowed common influences on the RTW process to be determined. Five major themes were identified: motivation to RTW, the impact of treatment, perceptions of the RTW process, influence of the workplace, and support options. Overall, the RTW process for survivors of HNC is complex and influenced by the financial need to resume work and the long-term physical impacts of treatment. System-specific issues related to the Australian welfare system are also directly impacting decision-making.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/28352610.2023.2276101Head and neck cancersurvivorshipreturn to workemployment
spellingShingle E. Matthews
L. McDowell
G. K. B. Halkett
M. O’Connor
C. Gibson
D. M. Sheppard
Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
Cancer Survivorship Research & Care
Head and neck cancer
survivorship
return to work
employment
title Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
title_full Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
title_fullStr Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
title_full_unstemmed Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
title_short Return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer: an Australian perspective
title_sort return to work for survivors of head and neck cancer an australian perspective
topic Head and neck cancer
survivorship
return to work
employment
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/28352610.2023.2276101
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