A five-phase process model describing the return to sustainable work of persons who survived cancer: A qualitative study

Birgit Brusletto; Steffen Torp; Camilla Martha Ihlebæk; Hege Forbech Vinje

doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2018.03.003

A five-phase process model describing the return to sustainable work of persons who survived cancer: A qualitative study

Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2018 Jun:34:21-27. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.03.003. Epub 2018 Mar 8.

Authors

Birgit Brusletto¹, Steffen Torp², Camilla Martha Ihlebæk³, Hege Forbech Vinje⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: birgit.brusletto@usn.no.
² Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: steffen.torp@usn.no.
³ Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Universitetstunet 1, NO-1433, Ås, Norway; Faculty of Health and Social Work Studies, Østfold University College, P.O.Box 700, NO-1757, Halden, Norway. Electronic address: camilla.ihlebak@nmbu.no.
⁴ Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway (USN), P.O. Box 235, NO-3603, Kongsberg, Norway. Electronic address: hege.f.vinje@usn.no.

PMID: 29784134
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.03.003

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated persons who survived cancer (PSC) and their experiences in returning to sustainable work.

Methods: Videotaped, qualitative, in-depth interviews with previous cancer patients were analyzed directly using "Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis" (IPA). Four men and four women aged 42-59 years participated. Mean time since last treatment was nine years. All participants had worked for more than 3 years when interviewed. An advisory team of seven members with diverse cancer experiences contributed as co-researchers.

Results: The entire trajectory from cancer diagnosis until achievement of sustainable work was analog to a journey, and a process model comprising five phases was developed, including personal situations, treatments, and work issues. The theme "return-to-work" (RTW) turned out to be difficult to separate from the entire journey that started at the time of diagnosis. PSCs were mainly concerned about fighting for life in phases 1 and 2. In phase 3 and 4, some participants had to adjust and make changes at work more than once over a period of 1-10 years before reaching sustainable work in phase 5. Overall, the ability to adapt to new circumstances, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and finding meaningful occupational activities were crucial.

Conclusions: Our process model may be useful as a tool when discussing the future working life of PSCs. Every individual's journey towards sustainable work was unique, and contained distinct and long-lasting efforts and difficulties. The first attempt to RTW after cancer may not be persistent.

Keywords: Cancer; Health promotion; Psychological adaptation; Qualitative research; Return to work; Survivor.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological*
Adult
Cancer Survivors / psychology*
Cancer Survivors / statistics & numerical data*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Qualitative Research
Return to Work / psychology*
Return to Work / statistics & numerical data*