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: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Cancer Survivorship Research & Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/28352610.2023.2276101 |
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| Summary: | 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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| ISSN: | 2835-2610 |