Perspectives on Returning to Work after Head and Neck Cancer:
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Returning to Work after Head and Neck Cancer: patient perspectives
IRAS ID
276015
Contact name
Eleanor Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
This is a qualitative research project which aims to explore the experiences of returning to work, and remaining in work, after Head and Neck Cancer (HNC). Up to 8 patients who have completed treatment for HNC will take part in a one-off interview.The interview will explore patient perspectives about the process of returning to work, and their ongoing continued experience of the workplace. The following will be explored:-
- factors that influenced their return to work journey
- what helps them remain in work
- what influences their work satisfaction
- any problems or concerns they have and how these could have been made easierSimilarities and differences will be examined from a range of different people's perspectives and to establish their concerns. This study forms the ground work for a large study as part of a future PhD.
LAY SUMMARY OF STUDY RESULTS:
We spoke to thirteen Head and Neck Cancer survivors (5 women, 8 men). We interviewed them using an online video platform (MS Teams) or phone. We asked about their experiences and views of returning to work after cancer treatment. What did people think?
1) Changed meaning of work and identity.
Everyone said work was important to earn money, see other people and help well-being. They all lost and gained jobs, changed employer or job roles following Head and Neck Cancer.
Everyone said they
• felt their identity and
• what work meant to them changed after Head and Neck Cancer.
Changes in their appearance meant they either:
• delayed going back to work,
• found a new job or
• behaved differently at work e.g. sent an email instead of meeting others or
• avoided colleagues.
Often people lost confidence and worried about going back to work. They also worried about using their phone or speaking in front of others. Some felt very low in mood and three had suicidal thoughts.A small number of people felt more relaxed at work, or worried less about work problems.
2) Work experiences
After Head and Neck Cancer treatment, people who
• were self-employed,
• were carers,
• lived alone,
• had lower pay,
felt pressure to go back to work to keep their earnings the same.Negative work experiences
Nearly everyone told us about difficult work experiences e.g.:
• being treated differently by managers or work colleagues,
• worries about their changed appearance, feeding tube or scarring.
These problems affected what they did and said at work.Positive work experiences
Less Head and Neck Cancer survivors told us about good experiences at work e.g.:
• bosses who had supportive conversations with them or their healthcare team,
• longer meal breaks to help with eating,
• text to speech software,
• equipment given to help manage symptoms,
• workplace counselling or gyms helped Head and Neck Cancer survivors cope better.3) Healthcare professionals
Everyone wanted to talk to healthcare professionals about working after cancer treatment. These talks usually did not happen. Head and Neck Cancer survivors said Healthcare professionals did not have time to talk about or support their return-to-work.Two people had helpful Healthcare professionals who:
• listened to worries about return-to-work,
• talked to their employer about side-effects of treatment, symptoms, recovery timescales. This helped Head and Neck Cancer survivors make a good return-to-work plan with employers.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0107
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion